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UNITED PRESBYTERIAN DIGEST.
UlC^Jifbl ''^ APR 26 1938 ,
PRINCIPAL ACTS AND DELIVERANCES
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
United Presbyterian Cliurcli
OF NOETH AMERICA,
FROM
1859 to 1891.
PITTSBURGH :
UNITED PRESBYTERIAN BOARD OF PUBLICATION,
53 AND 55 Ninth Street.
1892.
PREFACE.
The General Assembly of 1876 appointed a committee, consisting of
William J. Reid, D. D., A. G. Wallace, D. D., and Joseph T. Cooper,
D. D., to prepare a Digest of the principal deliverances of the General
Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church of North America. The
■work, published under the order of the Assembly of 1877, met with
great favor, and has proved to be very valuable.
The General Assembly of 1890 instructed the Board of Publication
" to appoint a committee to prepare and publish a new edition of the
Digest without delay, comprising all the information in as condensed
form as will be consistent with clearness of expression, and at the same
time with as much fullness as may be required, in its judgment, to meet
the aim of such a book." The Board requested A. G. Wallace, D. D.,
to undertake the work, and the second edition is now submitted to the
Church in the hope that it may prove to be as acceptable and as useful
as the first has been.
There has been no change in the plan of the work. The later trans-
actions of the Assembly have required a few new chapters and suggested
a different arrangement of some of the topics. It is possible that a less
complete exhibition of the acts of the Assembly would have been suffi-
cient for ordinary practical purposes, but the successive deliverances are
necessary to an intelligent study of the sentiment and work of the
Church.
For several years after the Union the minutes of the General Assem-
bly were published in separate numbers, and were paged accordingly.
But to secure uniformity, the references in the Digest are made to the
first volume as if it was paged consecutively, as the other volumes are.
The paging of its several numbers begins as follows : 1859, with page 1 ;
1860, with 97 ; 1861, with 213 ; 1862, with 341, and 1863, with page
(v)
Vi PREFACE.
473. To assist in finding the places referred to, the year is mentioned
as well as the volume and the page. The deliverances are arranged un-
der topics, but to secure the greatest convenience of reference possible,
the index has been made very full.
This edition of the Digest includes the acts of the General Assembly
of 1891, and completes the seventh volume of the Minutes.
THE PUBLISHERS.
Pittsburgh, February, 1893.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
I. GOTEEISTMENT A'ND DISCIPLHSTE.
PART I.
FORM OF GOVERNMENT.
CHAPTER. PAGE.
I. Introductory, 17
II. The Church, 18
III. The Members of the Church, 18
IV. The Officers of the Church, 18
1. Different Kinds of Officers, 18
2. The Teaching Elder, 19
3. The Ruling Elder, '. . 19
4. The Deacon, 19
V. The Courts of the Church 19
1. The Session, 19
2. The Presbytery, 20
3. The Synod, 21
4. The General Assenibly, 22
5. The Officers of Courts, 23
PART II,
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION.
I. The Organization of Congregations, 25
II. The Admission of Church Members, 26
III. The Dismission of Members, 27
( vii )
Viii TABLE OF CONTENTS.
CHAPTER. PAGE.
IV. Students of Theology, 27
V. Probationers, 28
VI. The Election, Ordination, &c.. of Pastors, 29
1. Election, 29
2. Ordination and Installation 30
3. Translation, 33
4. Dissolution, 34
VII. The Election, Okdination, &c., of Elders and Deacons, . . 34
1. Election 34
2. Ordination and Installation, 35
PART III.
DISCIPLINE.
I. General Principles, 37
II. Offences, 88
III. The Parties in Cases of Process, ^.38
IV.. Actual Process, 39
V. Process against Ministers, 41
VI. Exceptional Cases, 43
VII. Evidenck, 43
VIII. Sentences, 45
IX. Church Censures 45
1. Admonition, 46
2. Rebuke 46
3. Suspension, 46
4. Deposition, 46
5. Excommunication, 47
X. The Restoration of Offenders, 47
XI. Dissents and Protests, 48
XII. The various ways by which a Case may be carried from
A Lower to a Higher Court, 49
1. Review and Control, • . . 49
2. References, 50
3. Appeals, 51
4. Complaints, 52
5. Declinature, 52
XIII. Jurisdiction, 53
XIV. Limitation of Time, 53
Forms, 54
TABLE OF CONTENTS. JX
II. DIEECTOEY FOE WOESHIP.
^°-'^^^«- PAGE.
I. Introdcctory, go
II. The Seasons for Worship gg
III. The Ordinances OF Public Wou- II, )■ gO
1. The Reading of ilie Scripiuif gQ
2. The Singinj; of Praise, gQ
3. The Offering of Prayer, gj
4. The Preaching of the Word, g^
5. The Administration of Baptism, g2
6. The Administration of the Lord's Supper g3
7. The Prououncing of the Denediction, g4
IV. The Ordinances of Social Worship g5
V. The Ordinances of Family Worship, g5
VI. I'HE Ordinances of Secret Worship, g5
VII. The Ordinances of Extraordinary Worship gg
1. Fasting, gg
2. Thanksgiving gg
3. Covenanting, g7
VIII. Miscellaneous, an
1. Sabbath Schools, g-j-
2. Catechising, go
3. Family Visitation, gg
4. Systematic Beneficence gg
5. The Solemnization of .Maniii^ie gg
6. The Visitation of the Sick 70
7. The Burial of the Dead, 70
ni. EULES OF OEDEE.
Officers op the Assembly and theih Election 72
Duties of the SIoderator, 72
Duties of the Clerks, 73
Quorum 7g
Committees, 73
Order of Business. 75
Motions, 7g
Debate 77
Voting, 7g
Miscellaneous, ... 7g
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
lY. DIGEST or THE DELIYEEANOES OF
THE GEIsTEEAL ASSEMBLY.
Chapter. page.
I. Amusements, 79
II. Appeals, 79
III. Appkopriatioks, 82
IV. Army and Navy, 82
V. Assembly Monthly, 83
VI. Associate Synod 84
VII. Associate Reformed Synod OF Til i; SoiTH 84
VIII. Baptism, 89
IX. Bible in 'I he Public Schools 90
X. Bible Songs, 90
XI. Boards of the Church, 92
XII. Book of Government and Disupmnv; 95
XIII. Brussels Treaty 97
XIV. Centennial of the Nation 98
XV. Charters, 98
XVI. Chinese Mission, 99
XVII. Christian Commission, 100
XVIII. Christian Giving 101
XIX. Christ's Second Coming, 103
XX. Church Extension, Board of 104
XXI. Church Music, Ill
XXII. Church Property. 125
XXIII. Clerks OF THE Assembly 127
XXIV. Commissions 128
XXV. Committees, 130
XXVI. Confederation OF £vA^GKLICAL Church hs 132
XXVII. Corresponding Churches. 132
XXVIII. Corresponding Secretaries 134
XXIX. Covenanting 135
XXX. Dawson's Appeals 135
XXXI. Deacons, 136
XXXII. Delegate Fund, 138
XXXIII. Digest of the i^eliverances of the Genkral .As-
sembly, 140
XXXIV. Donaldson's Appeai 141
XXXV. Directory for Worship, 141
XXXVI. Education, Board OF, 143
XXXVII. Elective Franchise, 152
XXXVIII. Evangelical Alliance, 152
XXXIX. Evangelists, 152
XL. Evans' Appeal, 153
XLI. Family Worship and Instruction 154
XLII. Finance 154
TABLE OF CONTENTS. xi
CHAPTER, PAQK
XLIII. Financial Agents, 155
XLIV. Foreign Missions, Board OF, • 158
XLV. Freedmen, Board of Missions to tjie 167
XL VI. Free Pews, 171
XLVII. Gailey's Appeal, . 171
XLVIII. General Assembly, 171
XLIX. Gordon's Appeal, I75
L. Grant's Appeal, I75
LI. Green's Appeal, I75
LII. Hill's Case, I75
LIII. Home Missions. Board of 177
LIV. Hutchison's Appeal, 190
LV. Indians, 190
LVI. Jews, 192
LVII. Knight? of Labor, 194
LVIII. Legacies, I94
LIX. Licensure, 196
LX. Licentiates, I97
LXI. Logue's Complaint, 198
LXII. McCaughan's Appeat-s 198
LXIII. JNIcCune's Case, 199
LXIV. Manses, 201
LXV. Marriage and Divorck 201
LXVI. Marshall's Appeal, 203
LXVII. Mathews' Memorial, 204
LXVIII. Members of the Church 204
LXIX. Memorial, The Limit of, 205
LXX. Ministerial Relief, Board of 206
LXXI. Ministers, 210
LXXII. Ministry, Withdrawal from tuk 211
LXXIII. Minutes of the General Assembly, 213
LXXIV. Missionary Presbyteries, 214
LXXV. Missionary Work Among Foreign k us 215
LXXVI. Missions, Special Fund for, 215
LXXVII. National Reform, 216
LXXVIII. Ordination of Ministers, 217
LXXIX. Oregon, Presbytery of, 218
LXXX. Overtures 218
LXXXI. Pastors 220
LXXXII. Pastoral Charge, 223
LXXXIII. Patterson's Appeal, 221
LXXXIV. Peace, i21
LXXXV. Prayer, A Day of Speciai 221
LXXXVI. Presbyterian Churches 222
LXXXVII. Presbyterian Churches in Lndia 225
LXXXVIII. Presbyterian Historical Socikty 227
LXXXIX. Presbyterian Council, 227
n TAliLE OF CON'TKNTS.
CHAPTER. PAGE.
XC. Presbytery, Constitution of, 231
XCI. Principles of the United Presbvtl.uian Ciiurch, . . 231
XCII. Provisional Sessions 233
XCIII. Psalmody, 235
XCIV. Psalter 245
XCV. Publication, Board ui 246
XCVI. Quarter Centennial Commission, . 252
XCVII. Quota 255
XCVIII. Reed Estate 255
XCIX. Reading Sf.hmon.s, 257
C, Reform ]\Iovkmints 257
CI. Reformed Prksbyteriai^ Churcu, General Synod, . . 257
ClI. Reformed Prtsuyterian Church, Synod 258
cm. Reformed Prfsbyterian Churches, 260
CIV. Reports of Presbyteries, 260
CV, Romanism 260
CVI. Roseburg's Appeal 261
CVII. Rules of Order 261
CVIII. Ruling Elders, 262
CIX. Sabbath 264
ex. Sabbath Schools, 269
CXI. Salaries 2'*8
CXII. San Francisco Presey: I iv 280
CXIII. Secret Societifs 280
CXrV^ Slavery, 284
CXV. Smyth's Appeal, !:85
CXVI. Speers' Estate, 285
CXVII. Standards of the Ciiurch 293
CXVIII. State of the Country 294
CXIX. Statistics, 295
CXX. Students of Theology 298
CXXI. Sup):rintendents of Mission- 300
CXXII. Sustentation Fund, 301
CXXIII. Synods, 303
CXXIV. Systematic Beneficence, 303
CXXV. Tate's Appeai 305
CXXVI. Temperance 305
CXXVII. Terms of Communion 314
CXXVIII. Thanksgiving Proclamation 319
CXXIX. Theological Seminaries 319
CXXX. Tobacco 325
CXXXI. Treasurers . . .327
CXXXII. Trustees of Congregations, 329
CXXXIII. Trustees of the General Assembly 329
CXXXIV. Union of the Associate and Assdciatk Ri^fou.mfd
Churches, 330
CXXXV. United Presbyterian Cni;iicn 336
TABLE OF CONTENTS. Xlii
CHAPTEK.
^ PAGE.
CXXXYI. United Presbyterian Church of Oregon, 839
CXXXVII. Waldensian Church, 340
CXXXVIII Week of Prayer, 34O
CXXXIX. Wilson's Appeal, 34j
CXL. Women Taking Part in Public Religious Exercises . 341
CXLI. Women's Auxiliary Board, 34I
CXLII. Women's General Missionary Society 343
CXLIII. Women's Christian Temperan^k Union . 344
CXLIV. Worship ' ' ..^^
CXLV. Young Peopdc's Wokk 345
Appendix, Home Missions, Board of 347
I. GOYERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE
PART I.
FORM OF GOTERl^MENT.
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTORY.
1. Necessity of Govei-nment — No society can exist, or act for the ends
of its existence, without some form of government.
The church, a society of divine origin, has always existed under a
government of divine authority. Under the former dispensation, every
part of its government was specifically detailed. Under the present
dispensation, its form of government, as of worship, is less cumbrous,
more free and spiritual, but in its essential principles not less clearly
revealed.
2. Preshyterian CImrch Government. — Government by elders, or
Presbyterian church government, is the order of the New Testament.
This was the original order of government in the church. It was the
sole order under the patriarchal dispensation. It was an important and
the only permanent part of the Mosaic order. In the synagogue ser-
vice, it was the exclusive order of government.
The first congregations of the New Testament church were, by apos-
tolic authority, organized after the model of the synagogue; and by the
same authority, the principle of government by elders was applied to
the organization of the cJiurch at large.
3. Preshyterianism as Distinguished from Episcopacy and Indepen-
dency— The Presbyterian system, in distinction from tlie Episcopalian,
recognizes the teaching and ruling elders as the only officers of spiritual
authority in the church, and the former of these as invested with all the
official powers which are permanent in the church, and so of equal rank;
and in distinction from the Congregational, recognizes the organic unity
of the church, subordination of courts and ministerial authority, derived
not from the membership, but from Christ the Head of the church.
2 (17)
18 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE.
CHAPTER II.
THE CHURCH.
1. Church Visible and Invisible — The church is the collective body
of God's people.* In re.sj)ect to its members as chosen in Christ, and
united to him by faith, it is spiritual simply and invisible. In respect
to its members as formally consecrated to God, it is organic and visi-
ble.! It is in the latter sense the church is a subject of formal govern-
ment.
2. The King of the Church. — The Lord Jesus Christ, the Redeemer,
is also the King and Head of the church, and has been exalted to be
Head over all things to the church.:}: Its constitution, laws, ordinances,
and offices are of his appointment, and are to be administered solely
under his authority.
3. Hie Ends of the Churdi — The great ends of the church are the
preservation of the truth and ordinances of true religion, for the glory
of God and salvation of souls.
CHAPTER III.
THE MEMBERS OP THE CHURCH.
1. Professors All who profess faith in Christ and obedience to his
laws, are members of the visible church. §
2. Children of Professors — The children of such professors are also
members of the visible church. They are recognized in the covenant
under which the church was formally organized, || and which has been
the charter of its existence in every age since, and will be to the end of
the world. ^[ They have been so recognized in each past dispensation
of that covenant,** and were so recognized expressly by the Apostles
in organizing the church under the present dispensation. tt
CHAPTER IV.
THE OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH.
ARTICLE I.
DIFFERENT KINDS OF OFFICERS.
1. Extraordinary Officers — At the oi-ganization of the New Testa-
ment church, were some officers, of whom, in their peculiar gifts and
qualifications, there are no successors. Prominent among these were
the Apostles, ordained to be witnesses of the resurrection of Christ, and
endowed with miraculous powers, ++
2. Ordinary Officers — The ordinary and permanent officers of the
New Testament church are teaching elders, ruling elders and deacons.
* Heb. xii. 22, 23. ^ Acts ii. 46. 47. ** Acts ii. 39.
fEph. iv. 11. IJ Gen. xvii. 9, 10. It 1 Cor. vii. 14.
X Ps. ii. 6 ; Eph. ii. 22. \ Gal. iii. IT. ++ Acts i. 8 ; iii. 5 ; 1 Cor. ix. 1
Matt. X. 1-8.
THE COURTS OF THE CHUKCU. 19
ARTICLE II.
THE TEACHING ELDER.
1. His Powers — The teaching ehler is the highest ordinary officer ii)
the New Testament church. He is invested with all the official powers
that are permanent in the church, ordination, government, teaching and
administering the ordinances.*
2. His Names — He is called by different names in Scripture, to ex-
press the different relations and duties of his otiice : Teacher,t in refer-
ence to his duty to instruct the people ; Bishop, J in reference to his
oversight of the flock ; Pastor, § in reference to his entire work of feed-
ing, as well as governing, the flock ; Ambassador, || in reference to his
relations and duties as one commissioned to declare the divine will, and
beseech men in Christ's stead to be reconciled to God ; and Minister,^
in reference to his relations and duties as a servant of Christ and his
church.
3. His Duties — The duties of the teaching elder are to preach the
word, administer the ordinances, govern the church, bless the people,
ordain successors, and in general watch for souls.
ARTICLE III.
THE RULING ELDER.
1. His Power. — The ruling elder is the second in rank of the ordinary
officers of the church ; his official power is of government alone, and in
this he is the equal of the teaching elder.**
2. His Duties — He is to " rule well';" and while he may not officially
labor in word and doctrine, ft he is to be a help in teaching as in ruling,
instructing the ignorant, encouraging the weak, reproving and reclaiming
the erring, and visiting and comforting the sick.Jt
ARTICLE IV.
THE DEACON.
1. His Power — The deacon is the lowest of the ordinary officers of
the church ; his official power pertains to temporal things. He has no
spiritual authority.
2. His Duties. — The duties of his office pertain to the temporalities of
the church, especially the collection and distribution of its charities.§§
CHAPTER V.
THE COURTS OF THE CHURCH.
ARTICLE I.
THE SESSION.
1. Its Members The lowest court of the church is the Bench of
Elders, commonly designated the Session. This court consists of the
elders of a particular congregation.
* 1 Tim. iv. 14 ; Acts xi. 28 ; 1 Pet. v. 1 ; 1 Tim. v. 17. ff Rom. xii. 8.
fEph. iv. 11. II 2 Cor. V. 20. ++ 1 Cor. xii. 23.
% Acts XX. 28. % 1 Cor. iv. 1. g§ Acts vi. 1-3.
|Eph. iv. 11. **1 Tim. v. 17.
20 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE.
2. Its Divine Authority. — The divine authority of this court is evident
from the whole history of church organization recorded in the Acts and
J^pistles of the Apostles, showing that the first Christian congregations
were placed under the rule of elders, after the model of the synagogue.
3. When Rightly Constituted. — This court is legitimate when consti-
tuted of ruling elders alone, but it is complete when, in connection with
these, there is a teaching elder, as pastor of the congregation and mod-
erator of the Session.
4. Its Moderator. — If without a pastor, the Session should, ordinarily
through appointment of its Presbytery, but, in circumstances of special
urgency, may, by its own invitation, procure a minister of the same
Presbytery to preside and assist in adjudicating important cases. But
when this cannot be done without injurious delay, the ruling elders may,
by virtue of their official authority, appoint one of their own number to
preside, and proceed to transact any necessary business.
5. Its Duties The Session is charged with the spiritual oversight
and government of the congregation.* It belongs to it to decide upon
the qualifications of applicants for church membership, t to inquire into
the knowledge, character and conduct of members, to arraign offenders,
to admonish, rebuke, or suspend them, as the proper exercise of disci-
pline may require, to dismiss members in good standing with proper
certificates to other congregations, and do whatever else pertains to their
office in maintaining the good order and promoting the edification of the
church.
6. How Convened The Session may be convened by the pastor, when
he may judge it requisite, and he shall always convene it when requested
to do so by two elders. It may also meet on its own adjournment, and
if there is no pastor, by an agreement among the members ; and it shall
always meet when ordered by the Presbytery.
7. Quorum In all ordinary cases, two elders with a minister, or
three elders, in the absence of a minister, shall be necessary to consti-
tute a quorum.
8. Records. — Every Session shall keep a record of its proceedings,
which shall, at least once every year, be submitted to the inspection of
the Presbytery. It shall also keep and report to Presbytery every year
a record of baptisms, of persons admitted to fellowship, of removals by
death or otherwise, of contributions, and whatever else may be necessary
to make up the statistical tables of the church.
ARTICLE II.
THE PRESBYTERY.
1. Its Members. — The Presbytery is the next higher court of the
church, and consists of the ministers and one ruling elder from each
pastoral charge within a defined district.
2. Ministers Without Charge. — Ministers without charge shall be ac-
counted members of the Presbytery within whose bounds they reside,
and shall enjoy all the privileges of other members.
3. Divine Authority. — The Presbytery is the essential court of the
church in administering its general order. The higher courts are con-
*Heb. xiii. lY. f 1 Thess. v. 12, 13 ; 2 Thess. iii. 6, 14, 15.
THE COURTS OF THE CHURCH. 21
stituted simply by a wider application of the principles of Presbytery.
The authority for this court, like that of the Session, is in the example
of the primitive church. The facts recorded in respect to the churches
of Jerusalem, Antioch, Ephesus and Corinth, prove them to have been
in every essential particular, under an organization answering to a Pres-
bytery.
4. Its Duties — It belongs to the Presbytery, by virtue of the official
authority of its members, to hear and issue complaints and appeals from
church Sessions, and references for advice or adjudication, to admit and
have the care of students of theology, to examine and license candidates
for the holy ministry, to ordain, install, remove and try ministers of the
gospel, to examine and approve or censure the records of church Ses-
sions, to visit particular churches for the purpose of inquiring into their
state, and redressing evils which may have arisen in them, to organize,
unite, or divide congregations, and in general to order whatever per-
tains to the spiritual welfare and prosperity of the churches under its
care.
5. Quorum — Two ministers, with one or more elders duly appointed,
or three ministers, met at the time and place appointed, shall be a quo-
rum competent to transact business.
6. Regular and Special Meetings. — The Presbytery shall meet on its
own adjournment; but when any emergency shall require a meeting
sooner than the time to which it had adjourned, the moderator, or in
case of his inability to act, the stated clerk, has power to call a meeting;
and shall always do so at the request of two members.
Care must be taken that sufficient notice be given of the intended
meeting; and the moderator or clerk (as the case may be) shall, in con-
nection with his notice of tlie time and place, specify the particular
business for which it is called, and nothing else shall be transacted at
such meeting, unless by tlie unanimous consent of the members present.
7. Records and Reports Presbytery shall keep an accurate record
of its proceedings, subject to the inspection of Synod. It shall also
report its proceedings to Synod every year, with details in reference to
students, licensures, ordinations, installations, dissolution of pastoral
relations, organization, union or division of congregations, and, in gen-
eral, whatever important changes may have taken place within its
bounds during the year. A like report shall also be submitted to the
General Assembly.
8. Opening and Closing Exercises. — At every stated meeting of Pres-
tery, a sermon shall be preached, if convenient, and every particular
session shall be opened and closed with prayer.
9. Corresponding Members — Ministers in good standing in other
Presbyteries, being present, may be invited to sit as corresponding
members. Such members may deliberate and advise, but shall not
vote.
ARTICLE III.
THE SYNOD.
1. Members The Synod is the next higher court of the church, and
consists of ministers and duly commissioned elders of two or more Pres-
byteries.
22 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE.
2. Divine Authority — As a Synod is in fact but a larger Presbytery,
its authority is tbe same, and it is to be constituted and regulated in ac-
<;ordance with the same general principles.
2. Duties It belongs to the Synod to hear and issue complaints,
appeals and references regularly brought up from the Presbyteries, to
examine and approve or censure the records of Presbyteries, to organ-
ize, unite or divide Presbyteries, to propose to the General Assembly
such measures as may be deemed necessary for the vi-elfare of the whole
church, and in general to take such order with respect to Presbyteries,
Sessions and the people under its care, as may, in conformity with the
word of God and the established rules of the church, tend to promote
the edification, purity, peace and prosperity of the church.
4. Quorum One-fourth of the ministers of the Synod, if from two
or more Presbyteries, convened at the time and place appointed, with
as many ruling elders entitled to sit as may be present, shall be a quo-
rum for the transaction of business.
5. Regular and Special Meetings — The Synod shall convene at least
once every year, meeting on its own adjournment. On a special emer-
gency, it may be convened by the call of the moderator, on the applica-
tion of a Presbytery ; in this case, the call shall be made, and the bus-
iness limited, as in a special meeting of Presbytery.
6. Opening and Closing Exercises. — At the opening of every meeting,
a sermon shall be delivered by the moderator, or his alternate, or in
case of the absence or inability of both, by the oldest minister present,
who shall occupy the chair till another moderator be chosen ; and every
particular session shall be opened and closed with prayer.
7. Records and Reports The Synod shall keep an accurate record
of its proceedings, and submit it annually to the inspection of the Gen-
eral Assembly, properly attested by the moderator and clerk.
ARTICLE IV.
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
1. The Highest Court. — The General Assembly is the highest court
of the church. It is the great Presbytery in which the entire church is
represented. It may be an aggregate or delegate body.*
2. Its Memhers -The General Assembly of this church shall consist
of an equal delegation of ministers and ruling elders from each Presby-
tery, in the following proportion, viz : each Presbytery consisting of not
more than seven ministers, shall be entitled to send one minister and
one ruling elder ; each Presbytery consisting of more than seven min-
isters, and not more than fourteen, shall be entitled to send two minis-
ters and two ruling elders; and in a like proportion for any number of
ministers beyond fourteen ; and delegates so appointed shall be styled
Commissioners to tlie General Assembly.
3. Its Duties The General Assembly shall have power to receive
and decide all appeals, references and complaints regularly brought be-
fore it ; to review and approve or censure the records of Synods : to re-
solve questions of doctrine or discipline reasonably and seriously pro-
*Acts XV.
THE COURTS OF THE CHURCH. 23
posed ; to warn and testify against any error in doctrine or immorality
in practice ; to organize, unite or divide Synods; to establish and reg-
ulate theological seminaries so as to secure uniformity in the course and
-term of study ; to conduct the missionary operations of the church ; to
correspond with other branches of the church ; and in general to adopt
measures to promote truth and holiness throughout its bounds, and be a
bond of union, peace, concord and mutual confidence.
4. Cases of Discipline ; Special Provision — The General Assembly,
.at its discretion, may refer appeals in cases of discipline to a commission
invested with its own authority, or to an inferior court, for final adjudi-
cation.
0. Overtures. — Before any regulation affecting the doctrine, worship
•or government of the church shall be adopted or made binding on the
church, it shall be transmitted in overture to all the Presbyteries, and
be approved by at least a majority of the votes of the whole church.
These votes are to be taken in the Presbytery, each minister and ruling
elder in the Presbytery being entitled to vote. The vote shall be taken
yea or nay, carefully recorded, and reported by the clerk of the Pres-
bytery to the General Assembly at its next meeting. When a clear
majority of the votes of the whole church is in the affirmative, the
General Assembly shall enact such regulations, unless peculiar circum-
stances should, in the view of two-thirds of tiie whole delegation to the
Assembly, render it inexpedient.
6. Quorum One-third of all the delegates duly commissioned, being
assembled at the time and place appointed, shall be a quorum for the
transaction of business.
7. Meeting and Constituting. — The General Assembly shall meet at
least once every year. At the time appointed, the moderator of the last
Assembly, or his alternate, or, in their absence, the oldest minister
present, shall open the meeting with a sermon, constitute the Assembly,
.and preside until a new moderator is chosen.
8. Commissions. — Every commissioner to the General Assembly roust
produce a commission signed by the moderator and clerk of the Pres-
i)ytery by which he is sent; nor can he, without such commission, be
entitled to a seat.
9. Dissolution. — Each session of the Assembly shall be opened and
closed with prayer; and when the business is finished, and a vote taken
to dissolve the Assembly, the moderator shall say from the chair: " By
virtue of authority to me delegated, I do hereby dissolve this General
Assembly, and require another General Assembly, chosen in the same
manner, to meet at on the day of , A. D. "
After which he shall close the sessions by prayer, praise, and the apos-
tolic benediction.
ARTICLE V.
THE OFFICERS OF COURTS.
1. Their Names Every court of the church must have a moderator,
Si clerk and a treasurer.
2. Moderator The pastor of the congregation is the standing mod-
•erator of its Session. The moderator of the Presbytery shall be chosen
24 GOVEKNMENT AND DISCIPLINE.
for a year or for a shorter period, as the Presbytery may judge best^
The moderator of the Synod and of the General Assembly shall be
chosen at each meeting of these courts. The moderator possesses, by
delegation from the whole body, all authority necessary for preserving
good order, for constituting and adjourning the court, and for directing-
its proceedings according to the rules of the church.
3. Clerk The clerk may be either a member of the court or not, as
shall be deemed expedient: he shall continue in office during its pleas-
ure, and shall perform all such duties as are enjoined upon the clerk by
the rules of the court.
4. Treasurer. — The treasurer may also be either a member of the
court or not, as shall be deemed expedient, and shall continue in office
during its pleasure. He shall perform all such duties as are enjoined,
upon him by the rules of the court.
PAET n.
GENEEAL ADMINISTEATION.
CHAPTER I.
THE ORGANIZATION OF CONGREGATIONS.
1 . Congregations. — A congregation is a society of individuals, agree-
ing in their religious views, and associated for the support and enjoy-
ment of divine ordinances, with some of them chosen and ordained to
bear office and manage their affairs in a regular and orderly way.
2. New Congregations. — "When a congregation becomes too numerous
to meet conveniently in one place for public worship, or when, for any
other reason, it would yiromote the general interests of the church to
organize a new congregation, the persons so judging shall make applica-
tion to the Presbytery within whose bounds they reside, setting forth
the necessity or propriety of such organization. Whenever application
for this purpose is made, notice shall be given by the Presbytery to the
Session of the congregation that may be affected by the new organiza-
tion, before the petition is granted.
3. Organization If, after hearing the reasons, the Presbytery de-
termines to grant the application, it shall appoint a minister and two
ruling elders, if practicable, to carry the object into effect ; and they,
having given due notice to the persons who are to compose the new con-
gregation, of the time and place of meeting for said purpose, shall,
after the usual exercises of public worship, proceed to hold an election
for the proper officers.
4. Organization, when the Applicants are Members — "When the per-
sons who are to compose the new congregation are already members of
the church in full communion, the election of officers, whether ruling
elders or deacons, shall be conducted as in congregations already organ-
ized.
5. When not Members. — But when the applicants are not in commu-
nion, or are too few to afford an opportunity of making a suitable elec-
tion, the minister appointed shall first converse with all who propose to
unite in forming the congregation ; and being satisfied with their reli-
gious attainments and character, he shall, on the day appointed for the
organization, publicly receive them by proposing the questions herein-
after prescribed in Chap. II., Sec. 6. The election shall then be con-
ducted in the prescribed way.
(25)
26 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE.
6. Ordination of Officers When the election is over, the minister
shall announce to the congregation the names of the persons duly
elected; and on their agreeing to accept tlie office, and having been
examined bv him as to their qualifications for, and their views in under-
taking it, a day shall be appointed for their ordination, the edict served,
and the ordination conducted as in other congregations.
7. Report to Presbytery The presiding minister shall report to the
Presbytery his procedure in the case, with the names of the officers who
liave been chosen and ordained. And these, with the name of the con-
gregation, shall be entered on tiie Presbytery's li.st.
CHAPTER II.
THE ADMISSION OF CHURCH MEMBERS.
1. Necessity of Care The peace, unity, purity and prosperity of the
church depend, in a great measure, on the character of its members,
and the greatest care should be exercised by its officers in the admission
of persons to its communion.
2. Admitted hy Session. — In organized congregations none are to be
admitted to membership, but by the Session constituted.
3. Mode of Application. — Persons who desire admission to the fellow-
ship of the church should intimate their desire to the pastor or officiat-
ing minister, or to an elder, who shall converse with them in relation to
the profession and practice required by the word of God, and the subor-
dinate standards of the church, and shall examine them on their relig-
ious knowledge and experience; and it shall be the duty of the minister
to give at all times an opportunity for religious conversation.
4. Examination hy the Session The minister or elder shall then
report without delay the names of applicants, and the result of their
examination, to the Session, that there may be time to inquire into
their character and conversation. If any of the applicants cannot be
attested by some member of the Session, it will be the duty of the Ses-
sion to require of them some satisfactory testimonials of good moral
character; and such further examination shall then be had, as the Ses-
sion may judge necessary, to determine their right to membership as
communicants.
5. Special Cases The same regulation shall be observed with re-
spect to applications from persons of other denominations, and members
who have been more than a year absent, and do not produce satisfactory
testimonials, or who have been debarred, by a judicial sentence, from
the communion of the church, and are desirous of re-admission.
6. Manner of Admission Having satisfied the Session respecting
their knowledge, principles, motives and character, applicants shall be
received, on answering affirmatively the following formula of questions,
in presence of the Session alone, or, which is earnestly recommended,
in presence of the congregation, viz. :
I. Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to
be the word of God, the infallible and only rule of faith and practice?
II. Do you profess your adherence to the doctrines received by this
church as set forth in the Confession of Faith, Catechisms, Larger and
Shorter, and Declarations of the Testimony ; and do you approve of the
STUDENTS OF THEOLOGY. 27
Form of Government and Directory for Worship adopted by this church,
so far as you have been enabled to understand them, as agreeable to and
founded on the word of God ?
III. Do you profess your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ ; your accept-
ance of him as your Saviour, and your resolution, through grace, to
continue in the faith ; to be subject to the order and discipline of God's
house ; to be diligent in your attendance upon divine ordinances, both
teaching and sealing, according to your profession ; on secret prayer ;
on family worship, morning and evening, unless providentially hin-
dered ; and in the performance of all other duties incumbent on you,
whatever station you may occupy in life ; that you will study to promote
the peace, purity and prosperity of this congregation, while you remain
a member thereof; and that you will make conscience of promoting thf»
cause of Christ and his truth, as by other means, so especially by a
holy and godly conversation ?
IV. Do you make this profession as in the presence of God, in reli-
ance on his grace, and as you desire to give in your account with joy at
the great day ?
7. Exhortation — After proposing these questions, the moderator shall
address a word of exhortation to the newly-admitted members, setting
before them the importance of the relation into which they have en-
tered, and their obligation to live holy lives.
CHAPTER III.
DISMISSION OF MEMBERS.
1. Testimonials. — The good order of the church requires that mem-
bers removing from one congregation to another shall produce satisfac-
tory testimonials of Christian character and good standing in the church.
2. Who Entitled to Them Any member in good standing in the
church is entitled to a certificate of dismission from the congregation to
which he belongs.
3. Special Cases Members removing from the bounds of a congre-
gation, and neglecting to apply for a certificate at the time, are, as a
general rule, to be certified only up to the time of their removal.
4. Limitation of Time — No certificate of church membership shall be
considered valid, if it is more than one year old, except in cases where
there has been no opportunity of presenting it.
CHAPTER IV.
STUDENTS OF THEOLOGY.
1. Receiving and Training Students As an able and godly ministry
is of the utmost importance to the church. Presbyteries should exercise
the greatest care in receiving and training young men for this office.
2. Qualifications Students of theology should be of good moral
character and unexceptionable standing in the church ; they should
give evidence of a saving acquaintance with divine things, and manifest
an intelligent attachment to the principles of their profession, and
should possess such talents and attainments as will fit them to prosecute,
28 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE.
with advantage, theological studies, and give promise of public useful-
ness.
3. Under the Care of Presbytery — Every student of theology shall
place himself under the care of some Presbytery, and be subject to its
authority. If at any time he is in the bounds of another Presbytery, it
shall exercise due care over him, and, if need be, report any matter in
relation to his deportment to his proper Presbytery.
CHAPTER V.
PROBATIONERS.
1. Necessity of Probation — The Holy Scriptures require that trial be
made of those who are to be ordained to the gospel ministry, that this
sacred office be not committed to weak and unworthy men ; and it is
right that the churches should have opportunity to judge of the qualifi-
cations of those by whom they are to be instructed and governed. To
this end. Presbyteries sliall license probationers to preach the gospel,
who, after a competent trial of their gifts, and a good report from the
churches, may be ordained to the sacred office.*
2. When Admitted to License — In ordinary cases, no student of the-
ology shall be admitted to trials for license until he has completed a
course of theological study of two full yeai's, after the time of his admis-
sion by the Presbytery, and produced testimonials of good conduct and
proficiency in his studies, and he shall be required to spend a third ses-
sion at the Seminary.
3. Examination and Trials — The Presbytery shall examine each
candidate for the ministry as to his knowledge of the Latin, Greek and
Hebrew languages, of the ordinary branches of literature and science,
of theology, natural and revealed, ecclesiastical history and church gov-
ernment (unless otherwise satisfied of his attainments in these several
branches), the distinguishing principles of our religious profession, and
specially of his personal piety and his motives in desiring the office of
the gospel ministry. And to make trials of his talents to explain, vin-
dicate and practically enforce the doctrines of the gospel, the Presbytery
shall require him to deliver before them the following exercises, viz.:
1. A Critical Exercise.
2. A Homily.
3. A Lecture.
4. A Popular Sermon.
4. Specimens of Progress In addition to these, it is expedient that
specimens of progress be delivered from time to time during his theolog-
ical course.
5. Mode of License The Presbytery being satisfied with the exami-
nation and trials of the candidate, and having sustained them, and de-
cided to license him, the moderator shall propose to him the prescribed
formula of questions (see Chap. VI., Art. II.), except such as necessar-
ily imply investiture with office; and if these questions are satisfactorily
answered, he shall proceed to license him in the name of the Lord Jesus
Christ to preach the everlasting gospel, as a probationer for the holy
*1 Tim. iii. 6 ; 2 Tim. ii. 2 ; 3 John 12.
THE ELECTION, ORDINATION, ETC., OF PASTORS. 29
ministry. It is proper that the moderator accompany the act of licen-
sure with a suitable word of exhortation.
6. Certificate — A certificate of licensure, signed by the moderator
and clerk of the Presbytery, shall be given to probationers.
7. Subject to Presbytery. — All probationers shall be under the direc-
tion and fulfill the appointments of the Presbytery to which they be-
long, or into whose bounds they may be regularly sent.
8. Limitation of Time — Probationers shall be licensed for three
years; if not ordained at the end of this time, the license may, at the
discretion of the Presbytery, be renewed for two years more; if not
ordained at the end of this time, it may be renewed for one year more;
if at the end of this time their services do not appear to be edifying to
the church, the Presbytery should recall their license.
CHAPTER VI.
THE ELECTION, ORDINATION, ETC., OF PASTORS.
Though the authority by which the officers of the church hold their
respective offices is conferred through ordination, their right to exercise
their office statedly in any congregation depends on their election by
the people.
ARTICLE I.
1. Preparatory Steps — When a congregation desires a pastor, the
elders shall convene the members, that they may petition the Presby-
tery under whose inspection they are, for the appointment of a member
of Presbytery to preside in the moderation of a call. They shall also,
at the same time, appoint one or more of their own number to present
their petition, and give such information in relation to the condition
and prospects of the congregation, and the support which they intend to
give their pastor, as the Presbytery may require.
2. Time of Election — If the moderation is granted, the Presbytery
Bhall appoint one of its own number to preach on a week-day, as soon
as convenient, in the usual place of worship of the said congregation,
and to moderate in a call. But if, from any unexpected circumstance,
a large number of the people have been prevented from attending on the
appointed day, the minister may defer the election another week, with'
out a new order from Presbytery.
3. Moderation — On the day appointed, at the close of public worship,
the minister shall state the object of the meeting, read a blank call in
the hearing of the congregation, and, after prayer for divine direction,
call for the nomination of a candidate; then, having twice distinctly
announced the name of the nominee, he shall call upon all who favor the
nomination to hold up their right hands, and after-wards all who oppose
it. If there is more than one candidate, the presiding minister shall
take the vote by ballot.
4. Electors and Elected. — None are entitled to vote in the election of
a pastor but such as are in full communion at the time of the election ;
and no candidate shall be considered as elected who has not a majority
of all the votes.
30 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE.
5. Call Signed and Transmitted — After the election, the result shall
be announced, the blank in the call filled, and the electors requested to
come forward and sign the call. It shall be signed, first by the elders
and deacons, and then by the members. Ordinary hearers, though not
entitled to vote, may sign the call as adherents. The call thus sub-
scribed, when attested by the presiding minister, shall be transmitted to
the Presbytery by a commissioner or commissioners duly appointed.
6. When there is Opposition. — If a minority is opposed to the candi-
date-elect, the moderator shall endeavor to persuade them to acquiesce
in the choice of their brethren. But if this minority is large, and stead-
ily refuses to acquiesce, he shall report the facts to the Presbytery, that
it may judge what is best for the interests and peace of the congregation.
7. Call Sustained ; Interested Presbyteries. — The call must be sus-
tained as regular by the Presbytery before presentation to the candidate;
and when it is known or believed that any other Presbytery is concerned
in the matter, information shall be given to that Presbytery before the
presentation.
8. By Whom Presented. — No minister or probationer shall receive a
call, except through the Presbytery to which he belongs. When a call
is presented and accepted, the way is open to ordination and installation.
ARTICLE II.
ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION.
1. Trials and Examination. — When a call has been accepted by a
probationer, the Presbytery shall put him on trial for ordination. He
shall be required to deliver at least two public discourses — a lecture and
a popular sermon; and shall be examined (as far as Presbytery may
deem it necessary) on personal religion, theology, natural and revealed,
the original languages of the Holy Scriptures, ecclesiastical history and
church government, pastoral duties, and the distinctive principles of this
church.
2. Edict The trials having been approved by the Presbytery, it
shall appoint a day for the ordination of the candidate; and shall also
cause an edict to be read to the congregation, at least ten days before
the day of ordination, purporting that "the Presbytery having received
a call for Mr. A. B., preacher of the gospel, to be their pastor, and find-
ing nothing to hinder his settlement among them, will ordain and install
him accordingly, if no valid objection be seasonably offered."
3. Edict Returned; Objections. — The Presbytery having met at the
time specified in the " edict," the person appointed to serve it, or, in his
absence, one of the Session, shall return it certified that it has been duly
served. The Presbytery shall then make proclamation in the church
that it is now assembled and ready to hear any objections to the life and
doctrine of the candidate. If no objections are made, the Presbytery
shall proceed with the ordination ; but if any are made, the Presbytery
shall carefully consider them, and shall either sustain or overrule them,
as their nature and proof may render necessary.
4. Fast Day — On the day of ordination it may be expedient that a
solemn fast be observed in the congregation, that its members may more
earnestly join in public prayer for the Lord's blessing on his ordinances,
THE ELECTION, ORDINATION, ETC., OF PASTORS. 31
and on the labors of his servant to whom the administration of these
among them is about to be committed.
5. Sermon ; Narrative. — If no valid objection to the ordination is
offered, a member of Presbytery, previously appointed, shall preach a
sermon adapted to the occasion. Then the member appointed to pre-
side shall briefly narrate the proceedings of the Presbytery preparatory
to this transaction, and request the candidate to present himself. The
following questions shall then be proposed to him :
{Questions for Ministers.) — i. Do you believe the Holy Scriptures of
the Old and New Testaments to be the word of the living God, the in-
fallible and only rule of faith and practice?
II. Do you believe and acknowledge the doctrines professed by this
church, contained in the Confession of Faith, Catechisms, Larger and
Shorter, and the Declarations of the Testimony, as agreeable to, and
founded on, the word of God; and are you resolved, through divine
grace, to maintain and adhere to the same against all opposing errors?
III. Do you approve the Presbyterial Form of Church Government
and the Directory for Worship, received by this church, as agreeable to,
and founded on, the word of God, and are you resolved, by the grace of
God, to maintain and defend them ?
IV. Do you promise to submit, in the spirit of meekness, to the ad-
monitions of the brethren of this Presbytery, in subordination to the
Synod and General Assembly ; and do you promise to maintain the
unity of the spirit in the bond of peace, and that you will not follow
divisive courses, either by complying with the defections of the times, or
giving yourself up to a detestable neutrality in the cause of God ?
v. Are not zeal for the glory of God, love to the Lord Jesus, and a
desire to be useful in edifying the church of Christ, the chief motives
which induce you to seek the ministerial office, and the pastoral care of
this congregation?
Ti. Have you used any improper means to procure your call to the
office of pastor in this congregation?
VII. Do you promise, through grace, to perform all the duties incum-
bent on you with zeal and fidelity, following after righteousness, faith,
charity ?
VIII. Are you now willing to take charge, of this congregation agree-
ably to your declaration at accepting its call ; and do you promise to
perform all the duties of a pastor, to preach the gospel, not with entic-
ing words of man's wisdom, but in purity and simplicity, not shunning
to declare the whole counsel of God ; to catechise and exhort from
.house to house ; to visit the sick, and to perform whatever other duties
are incumbent on you as a faithful minister of Christ, for the convinc-
ing and reclaiming of sinners, and for building up saints in their most
holy faith ?
IX. Do you make these promises as in the presence of God, in reli-
ance on his grace, and as you would desire to give in your account with
joy at the great day of the Redeemer's appearance, when he shall come,
and all his saints with him, to judge the quick and the dead?
6. Satisfactory answers having been given to these questions, the
presiding minister shall propose to the people the following questions,
viz. :
32 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE.
{Questions for the People.^ — i. Do you, the people of this congrega-
tion, still profess your readiness to receive Mr. A. B., whom you have
called to be your pastor ?
II. Do you promise to receive the word, of truth from his mouth with
meekness and love ; and to submit to him in the due exercise of his
authority ?
III. Do you promise to encourage him in his labors for your instruc-
tion and edification ; and do you engage to give him, while he is your
pastor, a competent worldly support, and whatever else you see to be
needful for the honor of religion, and his comfort among you ?
7. Ordination Ceremony Tlie people having answered these ques-
tions in the affirmative by holding up their right hands, the candidate
shall kneel. Then the presiding minister shall, by prayer, and the lay-
ing on of the hands of the Presbytery, solemnly ordain him to the office
of the holy ministry.* After prayer, the presiding minister first, arid
the other members in order, shall take him by the right hand, saying,
" We give you the right hand of fellowship, to take part of this minis-
try with us."t An appropriate charge shall then be delivered to both
pastor and people. After prayer, praise and the benediction, the con-
gregation shall be invited to come forward, and, in token of their regard,
to take their pastor by the hand.
8. Ordination Without Installation — There may be emergencies in
which it is desirable and necessary that a licentiate be ordained to the
gospel ministry without a pastoral charge ; in such cases the questions
of the formula having reference to a pastoral charge must be modified
according to the circumstances.
9. Installation of Ministers Previously Ordained — Installation, which
is the establishment of the relation between a pastor and his congrega-
tion, shall always accompany ordination when a call has been accepted.
Installation may, in case of a minister previously ordained, be per-
formed by the Presbytery, or a committee appointed for that purpose,
in the following manner, viz. : A day shall be appointed for the instal-
lation, and due notice shall be given to the congregation. The Presby-
tery or committee, having met on the day appointed, shall proceed as
in the case of ordination and installation. The member who pre-
sides shall then propose to the minister to be installed, the sixth, seventh,
eighth and ninth questions of the formula for ministers at their ordina-
tion, together with the following : '' And all this you promise in agree-
ableness to your ordination engagements, and in humble reliance upon
divine grace ? " Having received satisfactory answers to all these, he
shall propose to the people the questions prescribed in Section 6 of this
Article ; which having been answered in the affirmative by holding up
the right hand, he shall solemnly declare said minister to be regularly
constituted pastor of that congregation. A charge shall then be given
to both parties ; and after prayer, praise and the benediction, the mem-
bers of the congregation shall come forward and give their pastor the
right hand in token of their cordial reception and affectionate regard.
* Acts xiii. 2, 3 ; 1 Tim. iv. 14. f Gal. ii. 9 ; Acts i. 25 ; 2 Tim. iv. 1, 2.
THE ELECTION, ORDINATION, ETC., OF PASTORS. 33
ARTICLE III.
TRANSLATION.
1. Propriety of Translation. — As a minister of the gospel is by his
office related to the whole cliurch, he may, for sufficient reasons, be re-
moved from one pastoral charge to anotlier, but not without his own
consent.
2. By the Authority of Presbytery. — No minister shall be translated
from one charge to another, nor shall a call for that purpose be pre-
sented to him, but by the authority of the Presbytery of which he is a
member.
3. Caution Necessary — The important interests that are involved in
the translation of ministers, and the danger of creating jealousies and
dissensions, by which tiie peace and comfort of congregations may be
disturbed, render it obligatory on Presbyteries to j)roceed with great
caution.
4. Manner of Call. — A call for a settled minister shall be prepared
and prosecuted in the same manner as one for a probationer or minister
without cliarge.
5. Manner of Translation, when the Minister and Congregation belong to
the same Presbyhery — Before presenting a call to a minister who is pastor
of another congregation, the Presbytery shall require the congregation
calling, by commissioners, to represent to the Presbytery tlie grounds on
which his translation is asked. Presbytery shall also cite the congre-
gation whose minister is called, to appear at its next meeting, to show
cause, by commissioners or in writing, why the call should not be pre-
sented, and the translation take place. This citation shall be read from
the pulpit of that church, immediately after public worship, at least two
weeks before the meeting of Presbytery at which the matter is to be
heard. If the congregation sends no representation, by commissioners
or otherwise, against the removal of its pastor, and if the Presbytery is
satisfied with the reasons assigned for the proposed translation, it shall
forthwith present the call ; and if accepted, it shall dissolve tlie pastoral
relation already existing, and translate the candidate to the otlier con-
gregation. Tlie day of his installation shall be fixed, and a person ap-
pointed to serve the edict. But if the congregation whose pastor is
called oppose the removal, tiie Presbytery shall hear the parties, aud
after careful and serious deliberation, either continue him in his present
charge or translate him, as may be deemed most for the edification of
the church ; or it may refer the whole matter to the Synod for advice.
6. When they Belong to Different Presbyteries — When the minister
called and the congregation calling belong to different Presbyteries, the
Presbytery which has sustained the call shall transmit it, togetlier with
a statement of the grounds on which his translation is asked, to the
Presbytery of which he is a member, that it may be presented ; or it
may authorize the congregation to prosecute the call by commissioners
before that Presbytery, and that Presbytery, having cited him and his
congregation, shall proceed to hear and issue the case, as before directed.
If it agrees to his translation, it shall release him from his charge, and
give him proper testimonials to the Presbytery within whose bounds the
congregation calling lies. This Presbytery, having received a certificate
3
34 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE.
of his release, shall proceed to install him in his new charge, as soon a&
practicable.
7. Reasons for Translation — The Presbytery shall always enter upon
its minutes the reasons for translating a minister, and when that act is
likely to give much dissatisfaction to his people, a copy of these reasons
shall be sent to them by their commissioners.
ARTICLE IV.
DISSOLUTION.
1. Authority of Presbytery Necessary — As the authority of Presby-
tery is necessary to the formation of the pastoral relation, so it shall be
to its dissolution.
2. Applications and Reasons for Dissolution. — When circumstances
arise, which seem to render a dissolution of the pastoral relation neces-
sary, application to this end may be made either by tlie pastor or peo-
ple, or by both united, and it shall in all cases be accompanied with a
statement of the reasons for which it is urged.
3. Application by Pastor or Congregation — If the application is made
by the pastor, the congregation shall be cited to appear, as in the case
of translation ; and if the application is from the congregation, the pas-
tor shall be cited to appear, and show cause why the application should
not be granted. As this is a matter important in its nature and conse-
quences, the Presbytery shall give it the careful and serious delibera-
tion prescribed in the matter of translation from one charge to another.
4. If the Application is Granted If, upon due consideration of the
case, the Presbytery shall judge it for editication to grant the petition,,
the congregation shall be declared vacant, and the minister who has
thus been released shall remain subject to the orders of the Presbytery.
CHAPTER VII.
THE ELECTION, OKDTNATION, ETC., OF ELDERS AND DEACONS.
ARTICLE I.
KLECTION.
1. When Necessary In organized congregations, it is the province of
the existing Session to judge when an election of additional elders may
be necessary, and of the Session and deacons to judge when an election
of deacons may be necessary, and to proceed to such election without
any application to the Presbytery.
2. Previous Notice When an election of ruling elders or deacons in
any congregation has been appointed, notice shall be given at least ten
days previously, that the people may consult among themselves and fix
upon some suitable persons.
3. Nominations. — On the day appointed for the election, which shall
be some week-day, days of fasting and thanksgiving excepted, after the
close of public worship, the moderator shall state the object of the meet-
ing, and after prayer for divine direction, if the Session has previously
agreed upon suitable persons, shall nominate them to the congregation ;
yet this shall not preclude the nomination of others by any member or
the congregation.
KLECTION, ORDINATION, ETC., OF ELDERS AND DEACONS. 35
4. Eligible to Office; Voters — In such election, none shall be eligible
to office but male members, and none are entitled to vote but members
in full communion in the congregation at the time of the election.
5. Manner of Election — Nominations having been made, the vote
shall be taken. It may be taken either with the uplifted hand, or in
such manner as the Session may approve, care being taken that it be a
fair and unbiased expression of the will of the people; and no person
shall be considered as elected, unless he has a majority of the whole
number of votes.
6. Result of Election. — The result of the election shall be publicly
announced by the moderator, and if it is in a vacant congregation, he
shall make report of it to the Presbytery, as in the case of organization.
ARTICLE II.
ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION.
1. Examination. — Before the ordination of ruling elders and deacons»
the Session shall meet to examine the persons elect as to their accept-
ance of the office, their views in undertaking it, and their qualifications
for it.
2. Previous Notice. — The persons elected having been approved, and
haying declared their willingness to accept the office, a day shall be ap-
pointed for their ordination, and at least ten days' notice shall be given
to the congregation.
3. Edict. — The public notice of such an appointment shall be ac-
companied with the serving of an edict, which is a public intimation
that if any person has anything to object against the faith or conversa-
tion of any of the officers elect, such objection shall be given in by a
specified time, otherwise the ordination shall take place.
4. ne Ceremony of Ordination. — If no valid objection is offered, the
presiding minister shall, after sermon, briefly narrate the proceedings
already had, and the candidates for ordination presenting themselves
before the congregation, he shall propose to them the following ques-
tions :
I. Do you believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testa-
ments to be the word of the living God, the infallible and only rule of
faith and practice ?
II. Do you believe and acknowledge the doctrines professed by this
church, contained in the Confession of Faith, Catechisms, Larger and
Shorter, and the Declarations of the Testimony, as agreeable to, and
founded on, the word of God ; and are you resolved, through divine
grace, to maintain and adhere to the same against all opposing errors?
III. Do you approve the Presbyterial Form of Church Government
and the Directory for Worship, received by this church, as agreeable to,
and founded on, the word of God ; and are you resolved, by the grace
of God, to maintain and defend them ?
iv. Do you promise to submit, in the spirit of meekness, to the ad-
monitions of the brethren of this Session, in subordination to the Pres-
bytery, Synod and General Assembly ; and do you promise to maintain
the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, that you will not follow di-
visive courses, either by complying with the defections of the times, or
giving yourself up to a detestable neutrality in the cause of God ?
36 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE.
V. Are not zeal for the glory of God, love to the Lord Jesus, and a
desire to be useful in edifying the church of Christ, the chief motives
which induce you to accept the otfice of ruling elder [or deacon] in this
congregation ?
VI. Have you used any improper means to procure your call to
the office of ruling elder [or deacon] in this congregation ?
VII. Do you promise, through grace, to perform all the duties incum-
bent on you with zeal and fidelity, following after righteousness, faith,
charity ?
VIII. (^For Ruling Elders.) — Do you now accept the call to the office
of ruling elder in this congregation, agreeably to your former declaration ;
and do you promise, through grace, diligently to discharge the duties of
that office, to be faithful and impartial in the exercise of discipline, and
to be punctual in attending the meetings of Session, and superior judica-
tories, as you may be required ?
IX. {For Deacons.) — Do you now accept the call to the office of
deacon in this congregation, agreeably to your declaration ; and do you
promise to attend to the wants of the poor with Christian meekness and
tenderness, and to manage all such temporalities of the church as may
be committed to your care with diligence and fidelity, according to the
concurrent advice and directions of the Session ?
X. {For Elders and Deacons.) — Do you make these promises as in the
presence of God, in reliance on his grace, and as you would desire to
give in your account with joy at the great day of the Redeemer's ap-
pearance, when he shall come, and all his saints with him, to judge the
quick and the dead ?
These being satisfactorily answered, he shall propose to the members
of the congregation the following questions :
Do you, the members of this congregation, adhere to your choice of,
and receive this brother as a ruling elder [or deacon] ; and do you
promise to yield him all that honor, encouragement and obedience, in
the Lord, to which his office entitles him? The members of the con-
gregation having answered this question in the affirmative, by holding
up their right hands, the moderator shall proceed to set apart the candi-
didates by prayer and the laying on of the hands of the Session. After
prayer he shall exhort both officers and people to their respective duties.
5. Recognition of the New Officers. — At the close of the service it is
proper that the officers of the congregation, in presence of the peo-
ple, take the newly ordained officers by the hand, saying, " We give
unto you the right hand of fellowship, to take part of this office with
us." And before the Session adjourns, a record of the ordination shall
be inserted in the minutes.
6. Officers Removing to Another Congregation — An elder or deacon
removing from his own into another congregation, and presenting satis-
factory testimonials of his personal and official conduct, may, if approved
by the Session, and duly elected by the congregation, be installed as an
^Ider or deacon without a new ordination.
7. Reported to Presbytery. — A list of officers in every congregation,
•with the time of their ordination, is to be given by the minister to the
Presbytery.
V.
PART III.
DISCIPLINE.
CHAPTER I.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES.
1. Definition. — Discipline is the exercise of that authority with
■which the Lord Jesus Christ has clothed the officers of his church to
deal with offenders according to the laws which he has given in his
word.*
2. Necessity and Objects — Discipline is necessary, because in the im-
perfect and mingled slate of the visible church, disorders will arise, not
only among carnal professors, but also from remaining corruption
among the truly gracious.f Its object is to vindicate the honor and
authority of Jesus Christ, J to maintain the purity of his ordinances and
of his truth, § to avert judgments which are threatened on account of
offenses connived at,|| to preserve the cause of God for posterity,^ to
reclaim offenders,** to warn others that they may fear, ft and, in gen-
eral, to preserve and promote the purity, peace and edification of the
church.
3. Ground of Discipline An offence is any thing in the avowed be-
lief or in the practice of a church member which is contrary to the
word of God and the standards of the church, or which in its nature
and circumstances is calculated to lead others into sin.+J
4. Necessity of Fidelity and Wisdom, — Discipline recjuires, in the
office-bearers of the church, not only fidelity and firmness, but also ten-
derness and moderation, wisdom an"d discrimination. Scandals of the
same kind cannot always be treated in the same manner, in consequence
of the different circumstances that may attend them, rendering them
more or less offensive. §§
5. Baptized Members. — All baptized persons, being members of the
church, are under its care, and subject to its authority and discipline,
and, having attained the years of discretion, are bound to perform all
the duties of church members.
*Acts zv. 25-29; Rev. ii. 2, 3. || Rev. ii. 5-16. J J Rom. xiv. 13, 20, 21 ;
■ fMatt. xviil. 7, 15-17. 1[ Ps. Ixxviii. 5-8. Rev. ii. 14.
J Ezek. xxii. 26 ; xliv. 6-8. ** 1 Cor. v. 5. §? 1 Tim. i. 20 ; Gal. v. 12 ;
I Rev. ii. 2, 3. tt 1 Tim. v. 20. Jude 22, 23.
(37)
38 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE.
CHAPTER IT.
OFFENCES.
1. Different Kinds Oflfences are either personal or general, and may
be either private or public ; and the procedure will vary in some re-
spects, in reference to these several classes.
2. Personal; General A personal offence is a violation of the divine
law, considered in the character of a wrong or injury done to an indi-
vidual, or to individuals. A general offience is any heresy or immorality
having no personal relation, or apart from it.
3. Private; Public Private offences are such as are known only to
an individual, or, at most, to a few persons. Public offences are such
as are generally known, or are known to many persons.
CHAPTER III.
THE PARTIES IN CASES OF PROCESS.
1. Personal Offences In cases of personal offences, the injured
party, whether tiie offence be public or private, must use the means
prescribed by our Lord* for bringing the offender to a sense of his
error, and effecting a reconciliation, before he can be admitted as a
prosecutor. Failure to comply with our Lord's direction, by any one
lodging information against another, is itself an offence subjecting the
informer to censure. As, however, the interests of religion may re-
quire a judicial investigation of a personal offence as general, the settle-
ment of the matter between the parties shall not preclude a church court
from investigating it.
2. Private Offences. — In all cases of private offences, he to whom
they are known is bound to use the above named private means for the
removal of the scandal, and no one can be admitted as an accuser who
has not complied with this rule. "Where a private offence is known only
to an individual, and is therefore not susceptible of legal proof, it is,
after serious and close dealing, to be left between God and the offender's
conscience.
3. General Offences. — General offences mfiy be brought before a
court either by an individual ap])earing as an accuser, and undertaking
to substantiate the charge ; or by information, where the informer de-
clines to appear as a prosecutor ; or by common fame.
4. Prosecutions by Common Fame In prosecutions by common fame,
the previous steps required by our Lord in relation to personal offences,
are not necessary ; yet circumstances may be such as to render it proper
for the court to appoint a committee of inquiry, in order to ascertain
whether the case is* such as requires judicial investigation and can be
prosecuted to conviction, and also to converse with the offender, and
endeavor to bring him to a sense of his sin, without actual process.
5. Caution Necessary Taking up charges on the ground of common
fame, requires caution and prudence on the part of the court, inasmuch
as it is not every report that amounts to this. It must first be deter-
* Matt, xviii. 15-17.
ACTUAL PROCESS. 39
•mined that a common fame really exists ; and no rumor is to be re-
garded as such, unless it specifies some particular sin or sins, and is
general, or widely spread, not transient, but permanent, is generally
believed, and accompanied with a strong presumption of truth.
6. Rumors As, however, a rumor may exist, not amounting to com-
mon fame, affecting the character of an individual, the person affected
thereby may request a judical investigation for his own vindication, and
it may be proper for the court to grant the request.
7. Informer. — In cases taken up on information, the name of the in-
former may be withheld at the discretion of the court ; but if the inno-
cence of the party accused is clearly made out, the court shall inquire
whether the informer acted through malice, or imprudence, or other-
wise, and deal with him accordingly.
8. Prosecutor In all cases of process on the ground of common fame,
or by information, where the informer refuses to appear, the court may
-appoint one of its members to act as prosecutor in the management of
the case. A Session may appoint any person under its jurisdiction.
9. Form of Charges ; Libel; Complaint. — All charges must be drawn
up in the form of libel or complaint. A libel is a written charge pre-
ferred against an individual or individuals, in argumentative form. It
first specifies the offence as censurable, and cites authorities from Scrip-
ture and the standards of the church to prove this; then charges the
offence in point of fact on the accused by name, including the names of
witnesses, and, as far as practicable, a specification of time and place,
and concludes with the inference that he ought to be censured. A com-
plaint differs from this in omitting the first part ; in other respects it is
the same, and, as the relevancy of the charge must be determined by
the court, the latter form is sufficient in all ordinary cases.
10. Parties The original and only parties to a trial are the accuser
and the accused ; and in cases where the court appoints the. accuser, he
shall exercise all the rights of an original party. These parties shall be
known in the appellate courts as the appellant and appellee.
11. Responsibility of an Accuser. — In receiving the charges, no per-
son can be admitted as an accuser who is known to indulge an evil
spirit toward the accused, is not of good fame, is under process or cen-
sure ; and great caution should be exercised where the accuser is rash,
litigious or imprudent. Persons who appear as accusers, or who under-
take to substantiate a charge, shall be held subject to censure if they
fail in proof, unless it appears that there were strong presumptions of
the guilt of the accused.
CHAPTER IV.
ACTUAL PROCESS.
1. Charge Tabled and Citations Issued.— When all other means of re-
moving an offence have failed, the court shall judicially take it into
consideration. At the first meeting of the court, when a libel or com-
plaiHt has been tabled, no further proceedings shall be had, unless by
•consent of parties, than to furnish the accused with a copy of the libel
■or complaint and a list of the witnesses annexed, and to cite all con-
cerned to appear at its next meeting. Notice shall be given to the
40 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE.
parties and witnesses at least ten days before the meeting; but if the
parties are present when the charge is received, and the time and place
of trial appointed, that shall be held as sufficient citation and notifica-
tion.
2. When the Accused is Absent. — If the accused party is absent when
the charge is received and trial appointed, a citation with notification
of time and place of trial, and a list of witnesses, shall be put into hia
hands, or left at the usual place of his residence, by some suitable per-
son appointed for the purpose. Citations shall also be issued to such
witnesses as the accused shall name, who are members of the churcli, ta
appear on his behalf. Other persons can only be requested to attend.
All citations shall be signed in the name of the court by the clerk, and
by the moderator, if convenient.
3. Charges Must be Specific. — In drawing up charges, that justice
may be done, it is important that times, places and circumstances should
be particularly stated ; and every libel or complaint, except those
founded on common fame, must be thus specific.
4. A Second Citation. — If an accused person neglects or refuses to
obey the citation, he shall be cited a second time, with notification that
if he does not appear, or send a sufficient excuse, the court will pro-
ceed to trial, as if he was present, and also censure him for his con-
tumacy.
5. Time Allowed. — While the time intervening between the first cita-
tion of an accused person and the meeting of the court at which he is to
appear, must be at least ten days, tiie time allowed on the subsequent
citation is at the discretion of the court; provided that it is sufficient
for a convenient compliance.
6. Citations Must be Served. — The court shall ascertain that its cita-
tions have been duly served before proceeding to trial; and especially
before it judges a pei'son guilty of contumacy or infiicts any censure
for it.
7. Admissibility of the Charges. — Before proceeding to trial, the first
point to be determined is, the admissibility of the charges. In most
cases this will have been done before the citation of the accused, yet a&
he has a right to be heard on that point, and may not have been present
to plead to it, it ought not to be regarded as definitely settled until the
accused is heard. If the chai'ges are judged inadmissible, all further
proceedings cease.
8. Relevancy of the Libel. — The first thing to be considered in the
trial is the relevancy of the libel ; that is, whether the charges, if
proved, are censurable. On this, the accused, if present, has a right to
be heard, but not in making a plea against the principles of his public
profession. If, on careful consideration, the charges are found not
relevant, all further proceedings must terminate; but if sustained as
relevant, the accused is to be interrogated as to the matters of fact. If
he admits them, the way is open for a decision; but if he denies them^
the court shall proceed with the trial.
9. Examination of Witnesses The witnesses shall be examined in
presence of the accused, or at least after he has received due citation to
attend; and he shall be permitted to cross-examine them, and to ask.
any question tending to his own exculpation. After all the evidence
PROCESS AGAINST MINISTERS. 41
has been taken in confirmation of the charge, the accused shall intro-
duce whatever rebutting or extenuating evidence he has to offer.
10. Parties Heard and Judgment Given.— \^hen the testimony is
closed, the prosecutor shall be heard first, and then the accused, and the
court shall decide whether either party shall have an opportunity of
being further heard. The parties being removed, the court shall pro-
ceed to examine and weigh the testimony, and give judgment accord-
ingly.
11. Records and Copies — The judgment shall be regularly entered
on the records of the court, and the parties shall be allowed copies of
the whole proceedings, at their own expense, if they demand them; and
in case of the removal of a cause to a higher court, the lower shall send
up a complete autlienticated copy of the whole record.
12. Puhlication of Sentence — The sentence, if it is thought necessary
to publish it, shall be published in the church or churches immediately
concerned ; but when the ends of public edification can be as well an-
swered, private censure is to be preferred.
13. Temporary Suspension — As cases may arise in which a consider-
able time may intervene before it is practicable to commence process,
the Session may, in such cases, if thought necessary to edification, pre-
vent the accused from approaching tiie Lord's table until the charges
against him can be examined. And if an individual is evading process,
the court shall entei- ihat fact on its records, together with the nature
of the offence charged, and shall suspend him from all church privileges
until he appears before llie court and answers to the charges against
him.
14. An Offence not Charged, hut Proved If the testimony, taken
during the trial, proves a sin properly denominated by another name
than that designated in the libel, while the specific charge of the libel
must be found not proved, the accused may be found guilty of that
which appears in proof; but sentence shall not be passed until further
time shall be given him for defence, if he demands it and justice re-
quires it.
15. Counsel, — No professional counsel shall be permitted to appear
and plead in cases of process in any ecclesiastical court; but an accused
person may, if he desires it, be represented by any member of the
church, subject to the jurisdiction of the court before which he appears.
The person so employed, if a member of the court, shall not be allowed,
after pleading the cause of the accused, to sit in judgment on the case.
16. Pull Records. — The record of the proceedings, in cases of judicial
process, shall exhibit not only the charges, specifications and sentence
of the court, but all the testimony and all the circumstances which had
an influence on its judgment; and nothing which is not contained in
the record shall be taken into consideration in reviewing the proceed-
ings in a higher court.
CHAPTER V.
PROCESS AGAINST MINISTERS.
1. Necessity of Faithfulness. — As the honor and success of the gospel
depend, in a great measure, on the character of its ministers, Presby-
42 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE.
teries ought not, on account of their office, to screen them from justice
or deal lightly with their offisnces, on the one hand, nor, on the other,
ought scandalous charges to be received against them on frivolous
grounds.
2. Process Commenced Process against a minister or probationer
shall be entered before the Presbytery to which he belongs, and the
rules of procedure laid down in Chap. IV. are to be strictly ol)served.
3. When the Offence Occurred without the Bounds of His Own Presby-
tery.— If the offence with which a minister or probationer is charged
occurred without the bounds of his own Presbytery, that Presbytery
shall send notice to the Presbytery within whose bounds it did occur,
and request it either to cite the witnesses to appear at the place of trial,
if within convenient distance, or, if not. to examine the witnesses and
transmit an authentic record of their testimony ; always giving due no-
tice to the accused person of the time and place of such examination.
4. When Not Likely to he Known to His Presbytery. — When a minis-
ter is guilty of an offence committed at such a distance from the place
of his residence that it is not likely to become known to the Presbytery
to which he belongs, it shall be tlie duty of the Presbytery in whose
bounds the offence was committed, after being satisfied that there is
sufficient ground of accusation, to send notice to the former, which is to
proceed against him, either by requesting the latter to take the testi-
mony, as in preceding section, or by sending a commissioner for this
purpose. In either case, due notice must be given to the accused party.
5. Accuser Responsible. — Process shall not be commenced against a
minister unless at the instance of a responsible party who undertakes to
prove the charge; or unless common fame so proclaims the scandal that
the Presbytery finds it necessary to investigate the charge. And when
there is a prosecutor, he shall be previously informed that if he fails to
show probable cause for the charge, he must himself be censured as a
slanderer of the gospel ministry.
6. Private Steps. — Persons aggrieved by ministers are required to
acquaint them with their grievances in private, wliether the offences
have been public or private, and, failing to obtain satisfaction, to apply
to some other minister of the Presbytery for his advice in the case, be-
fore they can present a charge to the Presbytery.
7. Charges Must he Written ; Procedure. — Every charge must be re-
duced to writing, before it is laid before the Presbytery. After receiv-
ing it, the Presbytery shall act according to the regulations laid down,
Chap. IV.
8. Acts of Lijirmity. — If, on the trial, it appears that the matter com-
plained of amounts to no more than acts of infirmity, which may be so
amended that little remains to hinder the usefulness of the accused.
Presbytery shall take all prudent measures for the removal of the
offence.
9. Contumacy. — A minister who has been accused of scandal, being
twice duly cited, and refusing to attend the Presbytery, shall be imme-
diately suspended.
10. Rights of an Accused Minister — A minister under process for
scandal shall retain, unimpaired, his right to deliberate and vote in
other matters, unless the scandal charged is of such a nature that the
EVIDENCE.
43
t
Presbytery considers it necessary to suspend him from the exercise of
his ministry till the charge is investigated.
CHAPTER VI.
EXCEPTIONAL CASES.
1. Judgment Without Process — There are cases in which the guilt of
an individual is manifest, the otfence being committed in the presence of
the court, or in which a trial is rendered unnecessary by the confession
■of the party; in such cases judgment may be given without process.
2. Appeal in Such Cases. — As there is no accuser in such cases, if
the sentence of the court is appeal(-;d from, some person, a member of
the court, or a member of the church, and subject to the jurisdiction of
the same court with the appellant, shall be appointed to defend the sen-
tence in the superior court, and such person shall be the appellee in the
case.
CHAPTER VII.
EVIDENCE.
1. What Received as Evidence A charge of scandal may be estab-
lished by the testimony of witnesses, by the records of a church court,
or by written or printed papers.
2. Testimony of Witnesses In receiving the testimony of witnesses,
great care and impartiality should be exercised by courts. All persons
are not competent witnesses, and all who are competent are not credible.
3. Competency. — All persons, whether parties or otherwise, are com-
petent witnesses, except such as do not believe in the existence of God,
or a future state of rewards and punishments, or have not sufficient in-
telligence to understand the obligation of an oath. Either party has a
right to challenge a witness whom he believes to be incompetent, and
the court shall examine and decide on his competency.
4. Credibility. — The credibility of witnesses, or the degree of credit
given to their testimony, may be affected by relationship to either of the
parties ; by interest in the result; by want of proper age ; by weakness
of understanding ; by defect in any of the senses ; by infamy of charac-
ter ; by enmity to the accused; by being under censure for scandal or
process for scandal impeaching their veracity ; by general rashness, in-
discretion, or malignity of character ; and by various other circum-
stances, to which courts should carefully attend, and for which they
should make due allowance in their decision.
5. Number of Witnesses. — When the proof of a charge depends en-
tirely upon the testimony of witnesses, two credible witnesses, at least,
shall be necessary to establish the charge.* But if several different
witnesses bear testimony to different similar acts belonging to the same
general charge, or to circumstances necessarily connected with the truth
of the charge, the crime shall be considered proved.
6. A Member of the Court as a Witness — A member of the court
may be called upon to bear testimony in a case which comes before it
* Deut. xix. 15.
44 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE.
He shall be qualified as other witnesses are, and, after giving his testi-
mony, may resume his seat as a member of the court, if there is no
reasonable objection.
7. Separate Examination Witnesses afterwards to be examined,
except members of the court, shall not be present during the examina-
tion of another witness, if either party demands their exclusion.
8. Purged of Malice. — "Witnesses, before giving their testimony, are,
if it is required, to be solemnly purged of malice against the accused ;
and no testimony shall be received but on oath, except by consent of
parties.
9. Manner of Examination After a witness has been sworn, he
shall be requested first to state what he knows of the matter charged;
if he declines this method, or having given his statement, he shall be
examined by the party introducing him ; then cross-examined by the
opposite party; after which, any member of the court, or either party,
may put additional interrogatories. The court shall not permit frivo-
lous questions, or questions not pertinent to the charge at issue ; and
every question must be put through the moderator.
10. Questions are to be Written — Every question put to the witness
shall, if required, be reduced to writing. When answered, it, together
with the answer, shall be recorded, if either party requires it.
11. Recorded, Approved and Attested. — The testimony given by wit-
nesses shall be faithfully recorded, read to them for correction and ap-
proval, and, then being subscribed by them, shall be attested by the
moderator.
12. Contumacy of a Witness. — A member of the church summoned a"*
a witness, and refusing to appear, or, having appeared, refusing to give
testimony, may be censured for contumacy.
13. Records of a Church Court The records of a church court, or
any part of them, whether original or transcribed, attested by the mod-
erator and clerk, or either of them, shall be admitted as legal evidence
in every other court, and, in like manner, testimony taken by one court
at the request of another shall be received by the latter as though it had
been taken by itself.
14. Writings and Publications Private writings and printed publi-
cations, the genuineness and authorship of which are clearly established,
may be received in evidence.
15. Testimony Taken by Commissioners. — Where it may not be prac-
ticable to take a part or the whole of the testimony of the witnesses of
either party in the presence of the court, commissioners shall be ap-
pointed to take the testimony in question; of which commission, and of
the time and place of meeting, due notice shall be given to the opposite
party, that he may attend. All testimony thus taken shall be regarded
as if taken in the presence of the court.
16. Kinds of Evidence. — All evidence is either positive or circum-
stantial. Positive evidence is that by which the fact charged as a crime
is directly proved. Circumstantial evidence is that which proves such
circumstances as necessarily or usually attend, or which have a tend-
ency to establish such facts.
17. Circumstantial Circumstantial evidence, when of such a nature
as to produce full conviction on the mind of the court, may be admitted
f
CHURCH CENSURES. 45
as conclusive. But while in some cases such evidence may produce as
strong conviction as can be obtained by positive, the greatest caution is
always to be used in admitting such evidence, especially in the absence
of the positive testimony of at least one credible witness.
18. Positive. — The positive testimony of a witness often affords noth-
ing more than a probable presumption of a fact, as when there is mani-
^ fest reason to doubt his veracity, or his right apprehension of the facts
which he gives in testimony, or the accuracy of his memory, or when
his testimony is contradicted by a witness equally positive and credible.
The court is, therefore, not bound, by the admission of a witness, to
give judgment according to his testimony.
19. Second-hand. — No second-hand or hearsay testimony is to be
received, unless that which goes to prove the statements of persons who
would have been credible witnesses, but are deceased, or are beyond the
jurisdiction of the court; and the court shall determine what weight to
allow it, if received.
20. Private Knowledge. — No private knowledge possessed by mem-
bers of the court shall be allowed to influence the decision, as that must
be based upon what is actually in evidence.
21. New Testimony. — If, in the prosecution of an appeal, new testi-
mony is offered, which, in the judgment of the appellate court, has an
important bearing on the case, it may refer the case to the inferior
court for a new trial, or, with the consent of parties, take the testimony
and issue the case. When, however, this testimony has had consider-
able influence in procuring a reversal of the decision of the court below,
this fact shall be distinctly stated in the decision of the superior court.
CHAPTER VIII.
SENTENCES.
1. Definition A sentence is the determination and declaration, by
a court, of the degree of censure to be inflicted on an individual found
guilty of an offence.
2. Sentence Proportionate to the Offence. — Sentences should be pro-
portionate to the nature and aggravation of the offence;* and adapted to
the ends of discipline.f And if the libel or complaint contains different
charges, the sentence must be founded only on such as are duly proved.
3. Execution of Sentence The sentence should be reduced to writ-
ing, and read to the party on whom it has been passed. He shall then
be required to signify his willingness to submit to it, which, if he does,
opens the way for its execution. But if he is not prepared to submit,
it rests with the court to determine whether it will be for edification to
grant him time for reflection till next meeting, or at once proceed to the
execution of the sentence.
CHAPTER IX.
CHURCH CENSURES.
1. Character and Solemnity of Censures — The censures of the church
are purely spiritual. Having been appointed by the Lord Jesus Christ
i? *Tit. iii. 10, ]1. fl Cor. V. 5; Jude 22, 23.
46 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE.
to promote the spiritual welfare of his church, and he having promised
to bind in heaven whatsoever his servants bind on earth, censures ad-
ministered according to his word cannot be despised or disregarded by
men without guilt and danger; and great solemnity and gravity should
be observed by those who administer them, as acting in the name of the
great Head of the church.
2. Degrees There are five degrees of church censure, namely: ad-
monition, rebuke, suspension, deposition, and excommunication.
ARTICLE I.
ADMONITION.
In What It Consists Admonition is the lowest degree of censure. It
consists in tenderly reproving an offender for his sin and scandal, warn-
ing him of his guilt and danger, and exhorting him to be more watchful
in the future. It is to be administered in private.
ARTICLE II.
RSBUKB.
In What It Consists ; Private; Public Rebuke is a higher degree of
censure for a more aggravated offence, and consists in setting forth the
character of the offence, with a sharp reproof for it.* Where the offence
is private, or where the public interests of religion will not be injured
thereby, the rebuke should be in private. But where the scandal is
public, and the sin of an aggravated nature, the censure should be pro-
nounced in public!
ARTICLE III.
SUSPENSION.
1. Definition Suspension is a censure which may be inflicted on
either a private member or an officer of the church. In respect to the
former, it is a temporary exclusion from sealing ordinances ; and to the
latter, from the exercise of oflSce, and, in ordinary cases, from sealing
ordinances also.
2. When Necessary. — This censure becomes necessary when very
gross offences have been committed, or when, notwithstanding admoni-
tion or rebuke, an offence is repeated or persisted in, or when probation
is necessary to attest repentance and reformation.
3. Duration Suspension may be for a definite time, but generally it
must be indefinite in duration, and its removal must depend upon evi-
dence of repentance.
4. Public Announcement. — Suspension should be publicly announced,
and it may be administered in the absence of the offender.
ARTICLE IV.
DEPOSITION.
1. Definition. — Deposition is a sentence depriving a church officer of
his ofiice. %
*Tit. i. 13 : ii. 15. % Ezek. xliv. 13 ; 1 Kings ii. 27.
fl Tim. V. 20.
t
THE RESTORATION OF OFFENDERS. 47
2. Deliberation and Advice Necessary This censure should not be
inflicted but with the greatest deliberation, and for the most weighty
reasons, or when lighter censures have failed. It should ordinarily be
preceded by suspension. Before proceeding to it, in the case of a min-
ister, the Presbytery should seek the advice of Synod; in the case of a
ruling elder, the Session should seek the advice of Presbytery. 'J he-
sentence of deposition passed on a pastor shall be publicly read to his
congregation, which at the same time shall be declared vacant.
ARTICLE V.
EXCOMMUNICATION.
1. Definition — Excommunication is the judicial excision of an of-
fender from the visible church, declaring him to be unworthy of a place
in the visible church, and to have no more fellowship with it than "a
heathen man and publican."*
2. When Inflicted — This fearful sentence should not be passed ex-
cept for such errors or violations of the law of God as are grossly incon-
sistent with the Christian profession, or for obstinate persistence in grave
oflTences; and not even then, until all scriptural means have been used,
and have failed to reclaim the oflFender.f
3. Deliberation and Consultation. — Much and solemn deliberation
should be exercised before the court proceeds to this censure. The Ses-
sion, if shut up to this step, should refer the matter to the Presbytery,
which may pass the sentence, if satisfied of its necessity, and give direc-
tions for its execution. A Presbytery, also, before excommunicating a
minister, may consult the Synod.
4. Due Notice and Warning. — In every case, before this step is
taken, due notice must be given to the offender, and he must be warned
of the sentence which awaits him, unless prevented by speedy repent-
ance. After he has been duly notified to attend, the sentence may be
passed by the court, whether he is present or absent.
5. Manner. — A warrant having been issued by the Presbytery for the
public announcement of the sentence, the officiating minister, after read-
ing the warrant, shall recount the steps which have been taken in the
case, and explain the necessity of the sentence, and, having prayed for
the Lord's blessing on his own ordinance, he shall solemnly pronounce
it in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
6. Effects — After the announcement of the sentence, the members of
the church should be warned that the person cast out is no longer to be
viewed as a brother, and that they are to have no unnecessary inter-
course with him. I Nevertheless, communication does not destroy the
bonds of natural and civil relations, nor free from any of their obliga-
tions. §
CHAPTER X.
THE RESTORATION OF OFFENDERS.
1. Power to Restore — The Lord Jesus Christ has given to the officers
*Matt. xviii. 17; 1 Cor. v. 5. J 1 Cor. v. 11-13.
t 1 Tim. i. 20 ; Matt, xviii, 15-17. § 1 Cor. v. 10, and vii. 10-16.
48 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE.
of his house the power to loose as well as to bind, and has promised that
whatsoever they loose on eartli shall be loosed in heaven.*
2. Conditions, — No degree of guilt precludes restoration to church
privileges, on satisfactory evidence of repentance and reformation.
3. To be Carefully Considered — It is not, however, every profession
of sorrow for sin, or every promise of amendment, or even a partial re-
formation, that should be judged a satisfactory reason for restoration.
But where a spirit of humility and meekness is manifested, accompanied
with becoming watchfulness in life and conversation, especially in re-
spect to the particular sin for which the censure has been inflicted, the
court may feel warranted in restoring the offender.
4. Public or Private. — The act of restoration shall be public, if the
censure was public, otherwise private, and by the same court which in-
flicted tlie censure, unless otherwise directed by a superior court.
5. Manner of Application An offender, desirous of restoration, shall
make application to tlie court by which he was censured, or to the next
superior court, expressing his desire to be restored to the fellowship of
the church, acknowledging his sin, and professing his sorrow for it, and
his resolution, througli grace, to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour.
This, however, shall not preclude the necessity of his giving satisfac-
tion, public or private, as the court may require.
6. Restoration of Officers Church officers deposed may be restored
to church privileges, on evidence of repentance ; but they ought not,
especially ministers, to be restored to the exercise of their office, until
it is obvious that the religious community is prepared to receive them in
their official character.
CHAPTER XI.
DISSENT AND PROTESTS.
1. Definition of Dissent ; Who May Dissent ; Reasons for Dissent —
A dissent is a formal declaration of disagreement with a decision of the
court, testifying against it as contrary to the word of God and the stand-
ards of the church. None but a member of the court, present and vot-
ing, may dissent from its proceedings. A dissent must be given imme-
diately after the judgment dissented from is pronounced, and it shall be
entered on the record. If reasons for dissent are given, these may be
placed either on record or on file for preservation, according to the
pleasure of the court.
2. Definition of Protest ; Reasons. — A protest is a more solemn and
formal declaration of disagreement with a decision of a court, and it
must be accompanied with a statement of the reasons on which it is
founded, to be transmitted within ten days to the clerk of the court.
3. Who has a Right to Protest ; When Blade ; When Admitted. — The
right of protest belongs not only to the members of the court, but also to
either party in a case which is the subject of investigation and decision.
A protest must be declared immediately after the judgment protested
against is pronounced ; but no protest can be admitted unless it is en-
tered with a view to appeal or complain to a higher court.
*Matt. xvi. 19.
CASE CARRIED FROM A LOAVER TO A HIGHER COURT. 49
4. Right to Record. — If a protest or dissent is couclied in respectful
language, and contains no offensive reflections or insinuations against
the majority of the court, tliose wlio offer it have a riirht to have it
recorded in the minutes.
5. Reasons and Answers ; Replies Restricted. — Tlie court should ap-
point a committee to prepare answers to reasons of protest, wliicii, being
adopted, ought to be inserted in the records. A repl^-, on tlie part of
protesters, to the answers to their reasons of protest, siiall not be ad-
mitted. But, if tiiey regard tlie answers as imputinc: to them opinions
or conduct which they disavow, they may ask leave^to withdraw their
reasons, and modify tiiem so as to' exi)ress tiieir views more clearly.
Such alteration may be followed by a corresponding modihcation of the
answers, and here tlie matter must terminate.
6. What It Implies. — The admission of a protest by a court implies no
more than a recognition of the riglit of the protester to exonerate his
conscience, or to have a hearing in a superior court.
7. In Court of Last Resort. — A protest, against a decision of the
conrt of last resort, may be entered, with the answers, on the records of
the court ; but such protest does not justify the protester in disobedience
or non-submission.
CHAPTER XII.
THE VARIOUS WATS BY WHICH A CASE MAT BE CARRIED FROM A
LOWER TO A HIGHER COURT.
1. Uses. — In all governments administered by men, Avrong may be
done. To remedy this, in an orderly way, is one great design' of super-
ior courts. When those who had no concern in the origin of^jiroceedin^s
are brought to review them, and confirm or annul them, there is as great
security against permanent wrong as the present imperfect state admits.
2. Modes — Every decision in any church court except the highest is
subject to the review of a superior court; and it may be brouuhrbefore
it in one or other of the following ways, — viz., by review and control,
reference, appeal, complaint or declinature.
3. Rights of Members of the Inferior Court "When a matter is trans-
ferred in any of these ways from an inferior to a superior court, except
in cases of reference, the members of the inferior court siiall have the
right to sit and deliberate, but not to vote.
ARTICLE I.
REVIEW AND CONTROL.
1. General Review — It is the duty of every church court above a
Session, at least once a year, to review the records of tlie proceedings of
the court next below. And if any lower court shall neglect to send up
its records for this purpose, the higher court may issue an order to pro-
duce them, either immediately, or at some specified time.
2. Matters of Review In reviewing the records of an inferior court,
it is proper to examine, first, whether the proceedings have been consti-
tutional and regular; second, whether they have been equitable, faithful
and prudent; third, whetlier they have been correctly recorded.
4
50 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE.
3. Mode of Review. — Tbe review may be conducted by a committee,
which shall report at the meeting at which it was appointed. If, ac-
cording to the report of tlie committee, animadversion or censure appears
necessary, the members of the inferior court present shall be heard in
defence, and the judgment of the court reviewing shall be entered on
their own minutes, and on the book reviewed.
4. Irregular Proceedings. — If in the review irregular proceedings are
found, so injurious as to require con-ection, tlie inferior court may be
required to review and correct its proceedings, and to report tlie cor-
rection as soon as practicable.
5. Decision not Reversed. — Ko judicial decision, however, shall be re-
versed by the court reviewing, unless it is regularly brought up by
appeal or complaint.
6. Review on Common Fame. — If the superior court is well advised,
by common fame, of neglects and irregularities by the inferior, of which
the records give no notice, especially in cases where notorious errors or
sins are suffered to pass without rebuke, and offenders are permitted to
escape proper censure, it shall cite tlie inferior court to appear and
answer, and, if culpable, inflict such censure and give such orders as
may be necessary to remedy tbe evils existing.
7. Courts Reviewing their own Decision. — While the court of last
resort may, at any time, review its own decisions, it is not exj)edient
for an inferior court to do so, except wiien directed by a superior, or
when fully satisfied that there are grounds for the reversal of a previous
decision.
ARTICLE II.
REFERENCES.
1. Definition. — A reference is a judicial representation, made by an
inferior to the next superior court, of a matter not yet decided; this
representation shall always be in writing.
2. Proper Subjects. — Proper subjects of reference are, cases that are
new, that are peculiarly delicate or difficult, the decision of which may
establish a precedent of extensive influence, or on which the members
of the court are much divided.
3. Objects References are either for advice, or for trial and deci-
sion of the case by the superior court.
4. Efifects. — In the former, the effect of a reference is merely to sus-
pend the decision of the court making it; in the latter, it is to relin-
quish the decision, and submit the whole case to the judgment of the
superior court.
5. Duty of a Superior Court. — Although a superior court ought gen-
erally to give advice, yet it is not bound to give a final judgment in a
case referred, even when requested so to do; but it may remit the whole
case with or without advice to the court referring.
6. Notice and Evidence — Notice of reference must be given to parties
who may be interested in a case, and the court making the reference
should have all evidence duly prepared and in readiness, that the supe-
rior court may be able to hear and issue the case with as little delay as
possible.
CASE CARRIEP FROM A LOWER TO A HIGHER COURT. ol
ARTICLE III.
1. Definition — An appeal is the removal of a case already decided,
from an inferior to the next superior court.
2. Grounds — Appeals may be made either from a definitive sentence
as unjust or mistaken, or irom any particular step of the proceedings, on
account of irregularity, in refusing reasonable indulgence to a party on
trial, declining to receive important testimony, hurrying to a decision
before the testimony is all taken, or manifesting prejudice in the case.
3. Appellants — In a judicial case, tiiat is, where a person is on trial
for heresy or immorality, the right of appeal belongs to the party against
whom the decision is made. In all cases, when the purity of the church
or the interests of truth and righteousness are injuriously affected by a
decision, any member of tiie court may appeal. In judicial cases, those
who have not submitted to a regular trial are not entitled to appeal.
4. Notice and Reasons Every appellant is bound to give notice of
his appeal to tlie court before it rises, and to lay the reasons thereof, in
writing, before it at the time, oi- within ten days thereafter. In the lat-
ter case these reasons shall be lodged with the moderator or clerk. But
where parties interested may, for good reasons, not have been present,
or not have known of the decision, a reasonable time shall be allowed.
5. Necessary Papers The appellant shall lodge his appeal, and the
reasons of it, with the clerk of the higher court, at the commencement
of its meeting, and either party may appear in person or in writing.
And it shall be the duty of the court whose judgment is appealed from,
to send authentic copies of the records and testimony relating to the
matter.
6. Order In taking up an appeal, after ascertaining that it has been
regularly conducted, the first step shall be to read the records in the
case ; second, to hear the parties, the appellant first, and then the ap-
pellee ; third, to hear the members of the court, and then to take the
final vote.
7. Different Issues The decision may be to confirm or reverse,
either in whole or in part, the decision of the inferior court, or to remit
the case, for the purpose of amending the record, should it appear to be
incorrect, or defective, or for a new trial.
8. Action of the Appellate Court If an appeal is sustained, the judg-
ment of the inferior court is necessarily reversed, but if not sustained,
the judgment is affirmed. If an appeal is sustained, the superior court
may close the case, if further proceedings are deemed unnecessary, or
try it, or direct the court below how to proceed. But in case of an ap-
peal from a decision refusing an appeal, if the appeal is sustained, the
case must be tried by the higher court.
9. Troublesome Appellants If an appellant manifests a litigious or
other unchristian spirit in the prosecution of his appeal, he shall be cen-
sured according to the degree of his offence.
10. Appeal Abandoned — If an appellant, after entering his appeal
before a superior court, fails to prosecute it, it shall be considered as
abandoned, unless he can make it appear that he was providentially
prevented.
52 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE.
11. Operation of Appeal. — The operation of an appeal is to suspend
all further proceedings on tlie ground of tlie sentence appealed from.
But if a sentence of suspension or excommunication from church privi-
leges, or of deposition from office, is appealed from, it shall be in force
until the appeal shall be issued.
12. An Appeal May be Refused — In cases Avhere the admission of an
appeal would necessarily and injuriously delay process, it is com])etent
for the inferior court to refuse to admit an appeal, and having done so,
to proceed with tiie trial ; but in such case the party refused an appeal
may complain to the superior court.
ARTICLE IV.
COMPLAINTS.
1. Definition. — A complaint is a representation made to a superior by
any member or members of a minority of an inferior court, or t)y any
person or persons, being members of the churcli, respecting a decision
of the inferior court as being irregular and unjust.
2. When Complaints are Proper — Complaints are proper in all cases
of grievance, whether judicial or not, whei-e the party aggrieved declines
to api)eal, or wiiere the complainants do not possess the right of appeal,
or where the right of appeal is tyranically refused; and in all other cases
where the complainant is persuaded that the purity of the church or the
interests of truth and righteousness are injuriously affected by the decis-
ion of an inferior court. But in judical cases, a party declining to ap-
peal shall not be allowed to complain.
3. Effects of a Complaint, when Well Founded. — A complaint brings
the whole proceedings of an inferior court under the review of its super-
ior, and the original parties are thereby placed at the bar of the super-
ior court.
4. When a Complaint is Well Founded If on examination it appears
that a complaint is well founded, sucli finding may not only reverse the
decision of the court below, either in whole or in part, but also subject
the inferior court to such censure as the case may seem to retjuire.
5. Rules of Procedure. — The same rules of procedure must be ob-
served in complaints as in appeals. [See Article III. of this Chapter.]
ARTICLE V.
DECLINATURE.
1. Definition. A declinature is the refusal of a person, under process,
to submit to trial by a particular court.
2. When Warrantable. — A declinature is warrantable, if accompanied
with an appeal, when a court prejudges the case, when it allows mem-
bers who are nearly related to the opposing party, or who have them-
selves been active as parties, or at variance with either of the parties, to
sit and vote in the case after objection made.
3. When not Warrantable. — But if a person, in order to evade a pro-
cess, or without assigning any just reason, or without an appeal to the
next higher court, declines the authority of his proper court, such de-
clinature is unwarrantable, and does not stay tlie process, but the per-
son declining may be censured for contumacy.
LIMITATION OF TIME. 53
4. Effects. — A lawful declinature does not quash a process. Jt only
removes it to a higher court, where the same regulations shall be ob-
served in the trial as in cases of" appeal.
CHAPTER XIII.
JURISDICTION.
1. Of a Member. — A member dismissed from one congregation to an-
other shall be considered under the jurisdiction of the former until actu-
ally received by the latter.
2. Of a Minisler. — A minister, in like manner, shall be considered as
under the jurisdiction of the Presbytery by which he was dismissed, un-
til he actually becomes a member of another.
3. Sins Committed before but Knoion after Reception Any offence,
committed by either a minister or member, between the time of his dis-
missal by one court and his reception by another, but which did not
come to light until afier he had been received, shall be under the cogni-
zance of tiie latter body.
CHAPTER XIV.
LIMITATON OF TIME.
1. In Trial for Scandal Process, in case of scandal, shall com-
mence within one year after the crime has been committed ; and scan-
dals that have been known for that time, shall not be made the subjects of
process, unless they have recently become flagrant. But where a scan-
dal was committed unknown to the church, though more than a year has
passed before its discovery, process may commence as if the crime had
recectly been committed.
2. But one Trial for the same Offence — Persons who have been tried
for an offence, and acquitted, or found guilty and censured and restored,
cannot be subjected to another trial for the same offence.
FOHMS.
I. Testimonial of Members Leaving a Congregation.
That A. B. is a member in full communion, in the United Presbyterian conprre-
gation of , in the county of , State of , and is hereby dismissed
at own request, is attested this day t)f , 18 — .
By order of Session J. N., Moderator.
A. D., Clerk.
II. Testimonial for Members who have been some time Absent.
That A. B. was a member in full communion in the United Presbyterian congre-
gation of , in the county of . State of , up to the day of
, when removed from the bounds tiiereof, and may. as far as is known
to this Session, be received into the fellowship of any church of Christ, is attested
this day of , 18 — .
By order of Session. J. N., Moderator.
A. D.. Clerk.
III. Form of Application fob the Moderation of a Call,
The United Presbyterian Church at , in the county of , and State
of , under the inspection of the Presbytery of , being at present vacant,
anxious to obtain the stated administration of the word and ordinances among
them, and finding themselves able and willing to support it, assembled at , on
the day of , 18 — , and agreed to petition, and do hereby must heartily
petition the Presbytery for a moderation of a call, and appoint A. N. and C. D.
their commissioners, to represent them in this behalf to the Presbytery, at their
next meeting.
By order of the Congregation, E. F., Moderator.
Done at , the day of , A, D, 18 — ,
IV, Form of a Call for a Minister.
We, the elders and other members of the United Presbyterian congregation of
in the countv of , and State of , taking into our serious consider-
ation the great loss we suffer through the want of a fixed gospel ministry among
us, and being fully satisfied, from opportunities of enjoying your public ministra-
tions, that the Great Head of the church has bestowed upon you, Mr. A. N.. such
ministerial gifts and endowments as. through the divine blessing, may be profit-
able for our edification ; we. therefore, hereby call and beseech you to come to us
and help us, by taking the charge and oversight of this congregation, to labor in it
and Watch over it, as our fi.xed pastor ; and on your acceptance of this our call, we
promise you all due support, respect, encouragement and obedience in the Lord.
In testimonj^ whereof, we have subscribed this our call, this day of , in
the year of our Lord 18 — , before these witnesses.
Attest: CD.
E. F.
( •>4 )
FORMS. 55
V. Attestation op a Call.
That, agreeably to presbyterial appointment, I preached on the day of
, in the congregation of , under the inspection of the Presbytery of
in the State of , and presided in the moderation of a call for a pas-
tor to said congregation, which was made out for Mr. A. N. under the inspection
of the Presbytery of , is certified at , this day of , A. D. 18 — , by
CD.
VI. Form of an Act of Licensure.
The United Presbyterian Presbytery of , in the State of , having
taken Mr. A. N., student of divinity, on trials for license, and he having acquitted
himself to their satisfaction in all the parts of his trials, did at their meeting on
the day of , at , in the county of , and State of , and
hereby do, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, allow and appoint him, the said
A. N., to preach the gospel of peace within their bounds, and in all other places
where in Providence he may be called.
By order of Presbytery. C. D., Moderator.
E. F., Clerk.
Given at , county of , and State of , this day of ,
A. D. 18—.
VIL Form of an Edict.
■ The United Presbyterian Presbytery of , in the State of
received a regular call from the congregation at , in the
and State of , to Mr. A. N., preacher of the gospel, to be their minister, and
the said Mr. A. N. having undergone trials for ordination, and the Presbytery
judging him qualified for the ministry of the gospel, and fit to be pastor of this
congregation, the call whereof has been by him accepted, have resolved to proceed
to his ordination on the day of , unless somewhat occur which may
lawfully impede it; and, therefore, do hereby give notice to all concerned, that if
they, or any of them, have aught to object why the said Mr. A. N. should not be
admitted pastor of this congregation, they may repair to the Presbytery, which ia
to meet at , on the day of . with certification, that if no objec-
tion be then made, the Presbytery will proceed without further delay.
By order of the Presbytery. C. D., Moderator.
E. F., Clerk.
VIIL Certificate of Ordination.
The United Presbyterian Presbytery of , in the State of , having
had a call from the congregation of , county of . and State of ,
to Mr. A. N., preacher of the gospel, presented to them, which they sustained, and
which he accepted, took him on trials for ordination, and having judged him duly
qualified for the office of the gospel ministry, and in jiarticular for the pastoral
charge of said congregation, and being presbyterially met at their ordinary place
of public worship, on the day of , did then and there solemnly set
apart said Mr. A. N.. in the face of tiie whole congregation there present, to the
office of the holy ministry in said congregation, and did afterward receive him into
ministerial friendship.*
By order of Presbytery. C. D., Moderator.
E. F., Clerk.
Given at , on the day of , A. D. 18 — .
* When a candidate is ordained to the ministry at large, or when the Presbytery cannot meet
in the congregation to be settled, the form of the tebtimonials must be varied accordingly.
56 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE.
IX. Form of Transfer, in Case of a Call from one Presbytery to
Another.
The United Presbyterian Presbytery of , in the State of . having-
received from the Presbytery of , in the State of , a call for Mr. A. N.
to the pastoral charge of the congreeation at , under the inspection of the
Presbytery aforesaid, and said call being by them approved, and by him accepted,
they did, and hereby do, transfer and remit him to tlie Presbytery of , for
ordination (or admission) to the pastoral charge of said congregation.
By order of Presbvterv. C. D., Moderator.
E. F., Clerk.
Done at , on the day of , 18 — .
X. Form of Commission to the General Assembly.
It is hereby certified that the United Presbyterian Presbytery of , in the
State of , at their meeting on the day of , did, and hereby do,
appoint Mr. A. N.. minister at , iMr. C. D., minister at , with Mr. E. F.
and Mr. G. H., ruling elders', their commissioners to the ne.\t General Assembly of
this church, to meet at , on the day of , next ensuing, or when
and where it shall happen to meet, enjoining them to rejiair thither, and attend at
all the sittings therof. and there to consult, vote and determine in all matters that
come before them, according to the word of God and the standards of this church,
as they will be answerable, and that they report diligence herein at their return.
By order of Presbyterv. J. K., Moderator.
L. M., Clerk.
Done at , this day of , 18 — .
XI. Form of a Lif.el.
Libel preferred against A. N.. by order of .
Whereas (here insert the crime) is a heinous sin and scandal, contrary to the
word of God (insert passages) and to the ])rol('ssion of this church (quote from
standards), and injurious to the religion of Christ, and ought to be censured ;
Yet true it is that you, A. N., &.c.. are guilty in the matter of scandal above
specified. In so far as you, said A. N., did at . on the day of ,
or thereabouts (here insert facts), being found relevant and proved against you,
you ought to be proceeded against by the censures of the Lord's house, according
to the nature of your said oti'ence and scandal.
Signed, E. F., Moderator.
G. H., Clerk.
Done in , at . this day of , 18 — .
XII. Form of Citation.
By order of the United Presbyterian Session (or Presbytery) of , you, Mr.
A. N., member of, elder or deacon in, or minister at , are summoned to ap-
pear before said , and answer to the libel herewith presented, at on the
day of , and at o'clock in the .
Signed C. D., Moderator.
E. F., Clerk.
Done at , this day of . A. D. 18 — .
XIII. Form of Citation for a Witness.
Mr. a. N. :—
You are hereby summoned by the Session (or Presbytery) of to
appear at , on the day of . to give testimony in a cause pending
between C. D. and E. F. Lay aside all excuses, and fail not to attend.
A. N., Moderator.
CD., Clerk.
This day of , and year of our Lord — .
FORMS. 57
XIV. Form of an Oath to be Administered to a Witness.
" You swear by the living God, the searcher of all hearts, that j'ou will declare
the truth, the whole truth, and nothintr but the truth, according to the best of
your knowledge, in the cause now pending, as j'ou shall answer to God at the
great daj'."
XV. Form of an Act of Public Suspension.
Whereas, A. N.,* , hath been convicted before thef of
[And whereas, the have, from time to time, and in the spirit of meekness,
endeavored, without effect, to reclaim their offending brother;]:] ; and whereas, his
continuing in sin, and refusing to listen to the admonitions of his brethren, render
it necessary for the honor of Christ Jesus, for the purity of his religion, for a
warning to others, and for his own benefit, to inflict on him a public censure of the
Lords liouse, the did. and hereby do, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,
and as a couit constituted in his name, suspend and e.xclude the said A. N. from
tbe privileges of the cliurcli. till he return from the error of his way, and give solid
proofs of unfeigned rejieutance.
XVL Form of an Act of Suspension or Deposition from Office.
Whereas. A. X., , hath been convicted before the of ; and
whereas, it is especialh- needful, that office-bearers in tiie house of God be sound
in the faith, of good report, and by their blameless conversation, ensamples to the
flock; and whereas, the continuance of said A. N. in the station which he pres-
ently holds, is for these reasons incompatible with the welfare of the church, the
aforesaid did, and hereby do, in the name and by the authoritj' of the Lord
Jesus Christ, and according to the powers committed by him unto them as a court
constituted in his name. ^ the said A. N. from the office of the || , pro-
hibiting him from all and any e.xercise of the said office of the in the
church of Christ, till he be lawfully restored thereto.
Signed, C. D.. Moderator.
E. F., Clerk.
Done in , at , this day of .
The above form is to be observed in those cases where a suspension or deposition is necpssary,
■whatever contrition be manifested; but in the event of contumacy, or persisting in the scan-
dal, the following clauses are to be added immediately before the signature of the Moderator
and Clerk.
And whereas, the said A. B. hath manifested, and doth still manifest, contuma-
cious resistance to that authority to which he oweth subjection in the Lord, and
refuseth to make just and scriptural satisfaction for his offence, the furtlier
did, and hereby do, in the same venerable name, suspend and exclude the said A. B.
from the privileges of the Christian Church, with certification that if he shall not
return unto his duty, acknowledging the found proved against him. with his
contumacious behavior, and confessing his humiliation and penance therefor, to
the glory of God. and apply to the against \ for giving satisfaction
with respect to the whole of this, his sinful course and conduct, the will
then consider on proceeding against him by some higher censure, as they shall see
cause.
XVIL Form of a Sentence of Excommunication.
Whereas, ** heinous sin and scandal proved, at the meeting of
' * Member or elder, or deacon, of this congregation ; or minister, elder, deacon, or member of
the congregation at .
t Session of this church, or Session of the church at , or Presbytery at .
JThe clause included in [ ] to be omitted in cases where a public suspension may be
necessary without the previous steps.
I Suspend or depose, as the case may require.
II Holy ministry, or eldership, or deaconship, according to his station.
If Here insert the time, etc., of satislaclion.
** Matter of , or several matters of , as the case may be.
58 GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE.
the United Presbyterian of , on the day of , against Mr. A. B. ;
and whereas, the Lord Jesus hath especially given it in charge to the judicatories
of his house not to suffer sin upon a brother, but. in the fear of God, to endeavor
to reclaim him by authoritatively admonishing, rebuking, and otherwise censuring
him, all which hath accordingly been done : and whereas, he remaineth obstinate
and contumacious, without any evidence or sign of repentance or sorrow for his
said scandal and offence, notwithstanding all the reclaiming means which have
hitherto been used with him; therefore the did, and hereby do. in the
name and by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, the only King and Head of
the church, and according to the powers committed by him to them, as a court
constituted in his name, actually excommunicate the said A. B., casting him out
of the communion of the church of Christ, declaring him to be of those whom the
Lord Christ commandeth to be holden by all and every one of the faithful as
heathen men and publicans, and delivering him unto Satan for the destruction of
the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
C. D., Moderator.
E. F., Clerk.
Done in , this day of .
XVIIL Form of an Act of Absolution and Restoration, as it is to bb
Intimated to One who has been ExcoMMu.-iicATED.
Whereas, thou, A. B., hast, for thy sin, been shut out from the communion of
the faithful, and hast now manifested thy repentance, wherein the church resteth
satisfied, the , in the name and by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ,
and according to the powers committed by him to them, as a court constituted in
his name, did, and hereby do, absolve thee from the censure of e.xcommunication
formerly pronounced against thee, and do restore thee lo the communion of the
church, and the free use of all the ordinances of Christ, that thou mayest partake
of all its benefits to thy eternal salvation.
XIX. Form of a Presbtterial Warrant for Intimatino the Censure of
Excommunication.
The of having found just cause of excommunication against
A. B., on account of and of aggravated contumacy and impenitence there-
in, and having, at their meeting at on the day of , excommu-
cated him accordingly, did, and hereby do. appoint you, Mr. C. D., minister of the
gospel at , to intimate said censure to the congregation at . the
day of , in the ordinary place of public worship, and immediately after
the conclusion of the service, and in the following words : (Here insert
the act of excommunication.)
XX. Form of a Presbyterial Warrant for Intimating the Absolution and
Restoration of a Penitent.
The of having found just and sufficient cause of absolving A. B.
from the censure of excommunication under which he presently lies, and of restor-
ing him to the privileges of the Lord's house, and having at their meeting at
on the day of , absolved and restored accordingly, did,
and hereby do. appoint and direct you. Mr. C. minister of the gospel at , to
intimate absolution and restoration to the congregation at on the
day of , in the ordinary place of public worship, and immediately after
the conclusion of the service, and in the following words : (Here insert
the act of absolution.)
II. DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP.
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTORT.
1. Definition of Worship. — Worsliip consists in the performance of
those external acts and the observance of those rites and ceremonies, in
which men engage with the professed and sole view of honoring God
and enjoying his favor.
2. Object of Worsliip. — Worship is due to God alone,* and is to be
offered only in the way of his appointment. t
3. Worshipers. — All rational creatures should worship God, their
Creator, Preserver, and bountiful Benefactor.^
4. Kinds of Worship. — From the difference in the number and cir-
cumstances of worshipers, and not from any difference in the worship it-
self, worship may be divided as follows: Public, Social, Family, Secret,
and Extraordinary.
5. Design of a Directory for Worship. — To set forth the seasons and
ordinances of worship as they are appointed in the Holy Scriptures, §
as they should de observed by the church, is the design of a Directory
for Worship.
CHAPTER II.
THE SEASONS FOR WORSHIP.
1. llie Sabbath. — Under the gospel dispensation, the first day of the
week, or the Christian Sabbath, is the only day which God has ap-
pointed to be kept holy.||
2. Sanctiftcation of the Sabbath. — The Sabbath should be observed as
a day of holy rest from worldly employments and pleasures, and sliould
be spent in the worship of God. AH should attend public worsliip and
earnestly engage in all its parts. So much of the day as is not spent in
public worship should be spent in private and family devotions, in re-
ligious reading and conversation, and, when necessary, in the proper
works of necessity and mercy.H
* Matt. iv. 10. X Rev. T. 13. || Acts xx. 7 ; Ex. xx. 8.
t Matt, xxviii. 20. } Deut. xii. 32. ^ Ex. xx. 10 ; Matt. xii. 11, 12.
(59)
60 DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP.
3. Special Days of Worship. — In addition to the Sabbath, special
days of worship may be appointed by the church or state, when the
times make such an appointment proper or necessary.*
4. Morning and Evening It is especially appropriate that the morn-
ino- and the evening be observed as the seasons for private and family
worship.!
5. All Times. — There should be a devotional frame of mind at all
times, so that worship may be paid whenever circumstances demand
it. J
CHAPTER III.
THE ORDINANCES OF PUBLIC WORSHIP.'
1. Ordinances of Public Worship.-. — The ordinances of God's word
are: Prayer and Thanksgiving in the name of Christ ;§ the Reading,
Preaching, and Hearing of the Word;|| tlie Administering and Receiv-
ing of the Sacraments;^ Church Government and Discipline;** the
Ministry and Maintenance thereof; ft Religious Fasting; | J: Swearing
by the name of God, and Vowing unto him§§ [Larger Catecliism,
Quest. 108J. The Sacramental Ordinances are, Baptism and the
Lord's Supper.
2. Order of Exercises Though the order of the exercises of public
worship must be left in part to the discretion of the officiating minister,
yet the following order may be observed: 1. Invocation; 2. Singing;
3. Reading the Scriptures; 4. Prayer; 5. Singing; 6. Sermon; 7.
Prayer; 8. Singing ; 9. Benediction. On days when the Sacraments
are to be administered, they may be administered immediately after the
sermon.
ARTICLE I.
THE READING OF THE SCRIPTURES.
1. At Every Service A portion of the Scriptures should be read
during every service. |||| Each person in the congregation should, at-
tentively and devoutly, follow the minister while reading.
2. Amount to he Read. — How much should be read, and what selec-
tion should be made, must be left to the discretion of the minister.
ARTICLE II.
THE SINGING OF PRAISE.
1. Matter of Praise It is the will of God that the sacred songs,
contained in the Book ot Psalms, should be sung in his worsliip to the
end of the world, ^^ to the exclusion of the devotional compositions
of uninspired men. The poetical version of the Psalms, now in' use,
shall be employed until another shall be prepared and authorized by the
church.
*Esth. iv. 16. ^ Acts xxviii. 19. H Deut. vi. 13 ; Ps.
fPs. xcii. 2 ** 1 Cor. xii. 28 ; Rom. xii. 8. Ixxvi. 11.
j 1 Thess. V. 17. ff 1 Tim. v. 17, 18. |1|| Acts xv. 21.
\ Phil. iv. 6 ; Epb. v. 20. +j Joel ii. 12 ; 1 Cor. vii. 5. ^^ Eph. v. 19.
li John V. 39; Acts xv. 21.
THE OKDINANCES OF PUBLIC WORSHIP. 61
2. Manner of Praise — In praising God, we should sing with the
spirit and with the understanding also, making melody in our hearts to
the Lord.* But that God may be praised in a becoming manner with
our voices, as well as with our hearts, congregations should seek a more
thorough knowledge of" music.
3. All Should Sing. — Some suitable person or persons may be em-
ployed to lead in the singing, but all the congregation should join in this
exercise to the best of their ability.
4. Session Must Regulate the Singing. — It belongs to Sessions to ap-
point the leaders in their congregations, to regulate the singing of praise,
and to see that this important j)art of public worship is rendered ibr edi-
fication, and in the best possible manner.
ARTICLE III.
THE OFFERING OF PRAYER.
1. Invocation. — The introductory prayer should be brief, containing
petitions for God's presence and guidance, and his blessing on the work
of the day.
2. Prayer Before Sermon. — The prayer before sermon should be com-
prehensive and not tedious, full of adoration, confession, thanksgiving,
supplication and intercession for all classes and conditions of men.f It
is recommended that special prayer should be made for the President of
the United States, and for all in authority.:]:
3. Prayer After Ser7non — The prayer after sermon should relate
chiefly to the subject discussed, beseeching God to impress his truth
upon the hearts of the hearers, and to make it the savor of life unto
life.
4. Preparation for Prayer. — As public prayer is very closely con-
nected with the edification and comfort of God's people, ministers
should, by meditation and secret prayer, prepare to engage in it in a
comprehensive and profitable manner.§
ARTICLE IV.
THE PREACHING OF THE WOED.
1. Importance of Preaching. — As the preaching of the "Word is of
chief importance as a means of salvation, it should receive speeial atten-
tion, and every minister should prepare for this work with much study,
meditation and prayer. ||
2. Sermons. — Every sermon should be founded on a portion of Scrip-
ture, should explain the doctrine taught in it, and should make a close
application to the heart and conscience of the hearer, that his life may
be conformed to the will of God.
3. Expository Preaching. — The expository mode of preaching, or the
explaining of the Scriptures continuously in their connection, is believed
to be eminently conducive to edification, as it aflTords an opportunity to
present the truths of the Bible in their variety, and their application to
the diflferent relations of life.^
* 1 Cor. xiv. 15. % 1 Tim. ii. 2. || 2 Tim. ii. 15.
t l^Tim. iL 1. |EccL ii. 2. \ Acts xvii. 2.
62 DIRECTORY FOR AVORSHIP.
4. Manner of Preaching. — The minister should not read his discourse ;
he should present the truth, not in the enticing words of man's wisdom,
but in tiie simplicity of the gospel ; and his great aim should be that of
Paul : " We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and our-
selves your servants for Jesus' sake."*
ARTICLE V.
THE ADMINISTRATION OF BAPTISM.
1. Administrator and Subjects of Baptism. — Baptism should not be
administered by any person but a minister of the gospel. t It is to be
administered to those who make a credible profession of faith in
Christ,! and to the infants of those who are members of the visible
church §
2. Place of Administration It should ordinarily be administered in
the church in connection with public worship. When administered in
any other place, previous notice should be given to the congregation,
and religious services should be conducted in connection with the ordi-
nance.
3. Mode of Baptism. — Immersion in water is not necessary to the va-
lidity of baptism. Baptism is righifully administered, wiien water is
applied to the person by pouring or sprinkling. ||
4. Baptism of Adults. — Adults are to be baptized on the public pro-
fession of their faith in Christ and obedience to him. The formula of
questions for the admission of church members may be used in the bap-
tism of adults, viz.:
I. Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments
to be the word of God, the infallible and only rule of faith and prac-
tice ?
II. Do you profess your adherence to the doctrines received by this
church, as set forth in the Confession of Faith, Catechisms, Larger and
Shorter, and Declarations of the Testimony ; and do you approve of the
Form of Government and Directory for Worship adopted by this church,
so far as you have been enabled to understand them, as agreeable to and
founded on the word of God ?
III. Do you profess your faith in the Lord Jesus Ciirist ; your accep-
tance of him as your Saviour, and your resolution, through grace, to
continue in the faith ; to be subject to the order and discipline of God's
house ; to be diligent in your attendance upon divine ordinances, both
teaching and sealing, according to your profession; on secret i)rayer ;
on family worship, morning and evening, unless providentially hin-
dered ; and in the performance of all other duties incumbent on you,
whatever station you may occupy in life ; that you will study to pro-
mote the peace, purity and prosperity of this congregation, while you
remain a member thereof ; and that you will make conscience of pro-
moting the cause of Christ and his truth, as by other means, so especially
by a holy and godly conversation ?
IV. Do you make this profession as in the presence of God, in reli-
ance on his grace, and as you desire to give in your account with joy at
the great day ?
*2 Cor. iv. 5. I Matt, xxviii. 19. J Mark xvi. 16. § 1 Cor. vii. 14 || Mark. vii. 4.
THE ORDINANCES OF PUBLIC WORSHIP. 63
5. Baptism of Cliildren. — When tlie child to be baptized has been
presented by its parents, or by one ot" its parents, if only one is a mem-
ber of the church, let the minister briefly state the nature, use and ends
of tliis ordinance ; sliowing tjiat it Avas instittted by Christ ; that it is a
seal of tlie righteousness of faith ; that the water represents and signifies
both the blood of Ciirist, which cleanseth from all sin, and the sanctify-
ing influence of the Holy Spirit ; that the seed of the faithful have a
right to this ordinance ; that the children of believing parents are
federally holy ; that there must be faith in order to baptism ; and that,
as infants cannot believe for themselves, their parents must exercise
faith for tiiem. Then let the minister propose the following questions to
the parents who have presented their children for baptism :
{Formula of Quesiions.) — i. Do you now take God as your God in
covenant, and as the God of your seed ?
II. Do you renew the profession you made when you were admitted
to the cliurch?
III. Do you solemnly promise, if God shall spare your life and that of
your children, to train tiiem up in tiie nurture and admonition of the
Lord ; to instruct them in regard to their lost condition by nature, and
to lead them to the Saviour ; to pray with them and for them : to wor-
ship God regularly in your family ; to set before them an example of
piety ; and to use all the appointed means for their salvation ?
6. Applir.ation of Wate?\ — When these questions have been answered
in the affirmative, and when the minister has prayed for the blessing of
God to accompany the administration of the ordinance, he shall sprinkl<^
the face of tlie child with water, calling it by name, and saying : " I
baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of tlie Holy
Ghost." After this is done, let him again engage in prayer, asking God
for such blessings as are needful for parents and their children.
ARTICLE VI.
THE ADMINISTRATTOX OF THE LORd's SUPPER.
1. Place, Administrator, etc., of the Lord's Supper. — The Lord's Sup-
per is to be administered in the churcii, by a minister of the gospel, and
none but members of the churcli should be admitted to this ordinance.*
It is to be celebrated often, but how often, the Session of each congre-
gation must determine.
2. Previous Notice and Preparatory Exercises. — Public notice should
be given to the congregation at least two Sabbaths before the adminis-
tration of the ordinance, and preparatory services should be conducted,
in which the people should be instructed as to the nature of the ordi-
nance and the qualifications of communicants.
3. Introductory Services. — When the sermon on the communion Sab-
bath is ended, the minister should show that the Lord's Supper is an or-
dinance of Christ, by reading the words of institution ; that it is to be
observed in remembrance of him ; that it is profitable to strengthen his
people against sin, to support under troubles, to encourage in duty, to
increase faith and beget peace of conscience and comfortable hopes of
* Matt. xxvi. 26.
64 DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP.
t'tcrnal life. He should draw the Scripture distinction between him
iiiat serveth God and him tliat servetli him not, and solemnly warn the
i<];norant, the lieretical, and the immoral, not to approach the table of
the Lord. On the other hand, he should atl'ectionately invite those who
are sensible of their lost and iielpless condition, and who are depending
on tiie atonement and intercession of Clirist for pardon and acceptance
with God, to come to tlie Supper, that by faith they may feed upon him
wliose flesh is meat indeed, and wliose blood is drink, indeed.*
4. Coming to the Table ; Giving Thanks — After tliese introductory
services, let the communicants come to the table, on which the elements
are spread. wi)ile a portion of a Psalm is sunjr. Then let the minister,
in imitation of tiie Saviour's example, give thanks to God, and implore
his biessintr on the ordinance.!
a. Distributing the Bread After prayer, let the minister take the
bread, break it, and give it to communicants, saying : " Our Lord
Jesus Ciirist, on the same night in whicli he was betrayed, took bread,
and having given thanks, brake it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:
' Take, eat ; this is my body which is broken for you : this do in re-
membrance of me.' "1
G. Distributing the Wine. — Tiien he shall take the cup, and give it to
communicants, saying : " Atter the same manner, our Lord took the
cup and gave it to his disciples, saying: ' This cup is the New Testa-
ment in my blood ; this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of
me. For as often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup, ye do shew
the Lord's death till he come.' "§
7. Address to Communicants When communicants are seated at the
table, the minister should remind them of the grace of God and the
love of Christ as exhibited in this sacrament, and of their obligation to
live a holy and consistent life. While the elements are passing, com-
municants may be left to tlieir own reflections.
8. Concluding Services The minister, at a convenient time, is to
take his seat at the table and con)municate with the members of the
congregation. After all have been at the table, the service should be
concluded with thanksgiving and praise. ||
ARTICLE VII.
THE PRONOUNCING OF THE BENEDICTION.
1. Dismissing the Congregation — At the close of public worship, the
minister should dismiss the congregation with a solemn benediction.
None but a minister of the gospel should perform this part of public
worsliip, and the peo[)le should wait with reverence and attention till it
is ended. ^
2. Form of Benediction In dismissing the congregation, the follow-
ing form of benediction may be employed : " The grace of the Lord
Jesus Ciirist, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy
Ghost, be with you all. Amen."**
* 1 Cor. xi. 27-29. § 1 Cor. xi. 25. \ Numb. vi. 23.
t 1 Cor. xi. 24. IJ Matt. xxvi. 30. ** 2 Cor. xiii. 14.
X 1 Cor. xi. 23, 24.
THE ORDINANCES OF SOCIAL AVORSHIP. 65
CHAPTER IV.
THE ORDINANCES OF SOCIAL WORSHIP.
1. Prayer Meetings — When circumstances will admit, meetings for
prayer should be held in every congrej^ation, at least once during the
week. It is the duty of all tlie members of the church to attend these
meetings for social worship.*
2. Leaders — The pastor of the congregation, or, if he is not present,
an elder, or private member of approved piety, should conduct the ex-
ercises of the prayer meeting.
3. Order of Exercises Tiie exercises should consist of reading
the Scriptures, the singing of Psalms, the offering of praver, and re°
marks on some portion of Scripture or suitable exhoriations, in such
order as shall conduc^i to edification. When a minister is present, the
services should be concluded with the benediction.
4. Sessions' Prayer MeetiiKjs — Sessions should frequently meet for
conference and prayer, when they should consider the spiritual condition
of their congregations, and implore divine guidance in all that pertains
to their office.
5. Social Worship in Place of Preaching When a congregation has
no pastor, or when he is absent, it may be profitable for t1ie°people to
spend a part of tlie Sabbath in social worship, and if none capable of
making appropriate remarks are present, let some one read an evano-eli-
cal and instructive sermon. °
CHAPTER V.
THE ORDINANCES OF FAMILY WORSHIP.
1. Tiyne of Family Worship — Family worship should be performed
morning and evening, and all the members of the family should be pres-
ent.f ^
2. Leader — The head of the family should ordinarily conduct the
services. If the husband is absent or disqualified, the believing wife
should perform the duty. If anotlier person who is qualified is present,
he may be invited to lead in the worship.
3. Order of Exercises — The exercises should consist of the sino-ino-
of Psalms, of reading the Scriptures, and of prayer. ° °
4. Manner of Worship — Family worship ought not to be tedious.
All should join in the singing. It may be profitable to read the Scrip-
tures through in course. The prayer should have reference to the cir-
cumstances of the family, and should include petitions for the peace and
prosperity of the congregation with which it is connected and of the
church at large.
CHAPTER VI.
THE ORDINANCES OF SECRET WORSHIP.
1. Importance of Secret Worship — Secret worship is indispensable to
personal holiness. It should be performed daily. J
* Mai. iii. 16. t Josh. xxiv. 15 ; Ps. xcii. 2. J Ps. cxix. 164; Matt vi. 6.
5
66 DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP.
2. Exercises The exercises of secret worship are reading, medita-
tion, self-examination, prayer and praise.
CHAPTER VII.
THE ORDINANCES OF EXTRAORDINARY -WORSHIP.
1. Reason of Extraordinary Worship The dispensations of Provi-
dence will sometimes call men to peculiar acts of worship, and it is
then right to appoint days to wait upon God in the duties required by
the dispensation. Such days may be called days of extraordinary
worship.
2. Authority for Extraordinary Worship. — The obligation to ob-
serve such days does not rest on human authority. It is found in the
will of God, revealed in his word, and manifested in his providences ;
and when, in obedience to the clear call of Providence, civil rulers
recommend, or ecclesiasti3al rulers appoint, the observance of such days,
the people should heartily comply.
3. Kinds of Extraordinary Worship — The principal kinds of extra-
ordinary worship are, fasting, thanksgiving, and covenanting.
ARTICLE I.
FASTING.
1. Occasions for Public Fasting When severe judgments fall upon
a nation or church, or if they seem to be imminent, or if some special
blessing is to be sought, God commands that nation or church to hum-
ble itself by solemn religious fasting.*
2. Manner of Observance On the day appointed for fasting, food
should be abstained from, or taken sparingly, and all unnecessary
worldly labor, thoughts, conversation and pleasures should be laid
aside. As much of the day as is convenient should be spent in the
public worship of God. The exercises should be the same as those of
ordinary public worship (see Chap. III.) ; but the Psalms that are
sung, the Scriptures that are read, the prayers that are offered, and the
sermons that are preached, should have special reference to the circum-
stances calling for the fast.
3. Private Fasts. — In addition to these public fasts, other times may
be observed by particular congregations, families or individuals under
special visitations of Providence. But the time selected for such fasts
should generally be different from that appointed by the church or
recommended by the civil magistrate.
ARTICLE II.
THANKSGIVING.
1. Occasions for Thanksgiving — When God gives special tokens of
his favor to a nation or church, men should unite in public thanks-
giving.t
2. Manner of Observance A convenient portion of the day ap-
pointed for thanksgiving should be spent in the exercises of ordinary
public worship (see Chap. III.) ; but the mercies of the past and pres-
*Joel ii. 12. t Esther ix. 22.
MISCELLANEOUS. 67
ent should especially be remembered, and ail the services should rend
to develop a grateful spirit. It is well to take up a collection for some
benevolent object, and to spend a portion of the day in works of Chris-
tian charity.
ARTICLE III.
COVESANTING.
1. Occasions for Covenanting. — Covenanting is a duty in which everv
believer has engaged ; but there is a formal act of public social covenant-
ing, in whicli congregations or churclies may engage. It is an extraor-
dinary duty to which God's people are called in times of special danger
to the church, or of unusual awakening and reformation. But, as cove-
nanting should be entirely voluntary, a refusal to engage in it should
not expose an individual to censure or reproach.*
2. Preparatory Steps — As this duty is peculiarly solemn, public no-
tice of an intention to engage in it should be given at least four weeks
beforehand ; a series of preparatory exercises should be conducted, in
which the minister should explain from the Scriptures the nature and
design of the duty, and wliat is requisite in those who covenant with
God ; days of fasting should be observed, and much public and private
prayer should be offered for the Divine presence and the help of the
Holy Spirit.
3. Manner of Observance. — The form of bond or covenant, which
may be prepared by each congregation for itself, or by some superior
court of the church, and wliicli should have special reference to the cir-
cumstances calling for covenanting, should be carefully and prayerfully
examined by the people before the day fixed for the solemn service.
When the day arrives, after the usual devotional exercises of public
worship, let a sermon be preached appropriate to the occasion ; let there
be a brief rehearsal of all that has been done, and of what the people
should do ; and then let prayer for Divine direction and help be offered.
After the prayer, let each covenanter lift the right hand, while the min-
ister reads aloud the covenant, and at the close of the reading, let each
bow the head in token of consent. Then let all come forward and sign
their names to the covenant to which they have sworn. Let the ser-
vices be then concluded with singing, exhortation, and the benediction.
CHAPTER VIII.
MISCELLANEOUS.
ARTICLE I.
SABBATH SCHOOLS.
1. Sabbath Schools tinder the Control of the Session. — A Sabbath
School should be established in every congregation. f The children of
the church, and those of irreligious parents, should be gathered into it.
It belongs to the Session to appoint the superintendent and teachers, to
provide suitable text-books and reading matter, and to exercise a gen-
eral control over the school. The pastor has, by virtue of his office, the
*Josb. xxiv. 25. f Prov. xxii. 6.
08 DIRECTORY FOR AVORSIIIP.
supervision of the whole school, and lie shall give such instruction to the
superintendent and teachers, and make sucli examination of the scholars,
as may be proper.
2. Superintendent and IJis Duties.. — The superintendent should be a
man of piety, and, if practicable, a member of Session. It is his duty to
classify the scholars, to assign classes to the teachers, to preserve order
in the school aud to direct its exercises.
3. Teachers and their Duties — The teachers should be members of
the church, and men and women of earnest piety. It is their duty to be
regular in their attendanct-, to instruct their scholars from the Holy
Scriptures, the Shorter Catechism, and such other text-books as may be
approved by the Session, to record the attendance and progress of their
scholars, to visit them during the week, especially if absent on the Sab-
bath, and to use all proper means to bring them to a saving knowledge
of the truth.
4. Order of Exercises The school should be opened and closed with
brief devotional exercises, under the direction of the superintendent.
The rest of the time should be employed in reciting and explaining the
lessons of tiie day.
5. Teachers' Prayer 3Ieeting. — The officers and teachers of the school
should hold frequent meetings lor conference and prayer.
G. Library and Text-Boohs Tlie school should be provided with
such catechisms, papers and books as present the truth in a clear and
scriptural manner, and all books of a secular or amusing character should
be carefully excluded.
7. Mission Sabbath Schools. — In destitute neighborhoods. Mission
Sabbath Schools should be organized. In such cases, established con-
gregations should aid in furnishing teachers and necessary appliances
for the work. '
ARTICLE II.
CATKCHISING.
1. Importance, Place, etc., of Catechising. — As the duty of catechis-
ing is of vital importance in promoting growth in grace, no pastor should
omit it. It may be conducted either in a private family, or where a
number of families is assembled. The classification of those to be cate-
chised, the time, ))lace, and frequency of the duty, must be left to the
discretion of the Session.
2. Manner of Catechising. — In the performance of this duty, minis-
ters should use the Larger and Shorter Catechisms and questions drawn
from the Scriptures. The capacity and opportunities of individuals are
always to be considered. If any are ignorant or timid, kindness and
sympathy should be shown towards them. All should be led from
first principles to a knowledge of those less evident, that they may even-
tually be instructed and established in the whole truth of the Christian
system.*
ARTICLE III.
FAMILY VISITATION.
1. Design of Family Visitation. — Every pastor should visit the fam-
*Heb. V. 12.
MISCELLANEOUS. 69
ilies of his congregation from time to time to ascertain their spiritual
condition, and to exhort them to the faithful performance of their re-
ligious duties.
2. Manner of its Performance. — In family visitation, the minister
should inquire in every household concerning the observance of family
•worship, and the attendance on the outward and ordinary means of
grace; he should catechise, admonish, reprove, encourage, and comfort,
as circumstances may require ; and he should pray with the family, af-
fectionately commending each individual to the care of God.
ARTICLE lY.
SYSTEMATIC BENEFICENCE.
1. Necessity of Systematic Beneficence. — The Scriptures make it an
imperative duty to give a portion of our worldly substance to the Lord.
And as system contributes to success in any work, every member of the
church should reduce the duty of beneficence to a system.*
2. Amount to he Given. — The word of God requires all to give cheer-
fully, liberally, regularly, and according as God hath proposed them.f
3. Pastors Should Instruct their People Pastors should frequently
instruct their people in regard to this important duty, urge its perform-
ance, and explain the design of the different Boards of the church, and
the character of the work which they supervise.
\. If a Person Refuses to Contribute. — If any person of knowm pe-
cuniary ability fails to give to benevolent objects, or if he contributes in
a sparing manner, the Session should point out his obligation as re-
vealed in the word of God, the importance of the duty, and the reward
attending its faithful discharge ; and if he still withholds from the treas-
ury of the Lord, it is the duty of the Session to deal with him as an of-
fender.
ARTICLE V.
SOLEMNIZATION OF MARRIAGE.
1. Marriage. — Marriage is a solemn contract between one man and
one woman, + instituted V)y God, and sanctioned and acknowledged by
the civil law. Marriage is not peculiar to the church of Christ ; yet it
is the duty of Christians to marry only in the Lord ;§ and it is becom-
ing to have the marriage solemnized with a religious service, and by a
minister of the gospel.
2. Parties in Marriage The parties in marriage must not be within
the degrees of consanguinity or affinity prohibited by the word of God.||
They must be of years of discretion, and capable of making their own
choice. If they are under age, the consent of their parents or guardians
should be obtained by the minister before solemnizing the marriage.
3. Ceremony of Marriage. — The minister having satisfied himself that
the parties have complied with the forms required by the laws of the
land, shall cause the parties to stand together in the presence of a
proper number of witnesses, and shall briefly address them in regard to
*2Cor. ix."?. |Matt. xix. V. (| Lev. xviii.
fl Cor. xvi. 2. |l Cor. vii. 39.
70 DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP.
tilt' institution of marriage, and the obligations tliey are about to assume.
Tl.eii, having joined their right liands, he shall address this marriage
vow to the man: " Do you, A. B., take this woman, whom you now
hold by the right hand, to be your wedded wife ; and do you solemnly
promise, in the presence of God and these witnesses, to be a loving and
fiiitliful husband unto her, till God shall separate you by death?"
"Wlien this question is answered in the affirmative, he shall address this
similar vow to the woman : " Do you, C. D., take this man, whom you
now hold by the right hand, to be your wedded husbapd ; and do you
solemnly promise, in the presence of God and tliese witnesses, to be a
loving, liiithful. and obedient wife unto him, till God shall separate you
by death?" AVhen this question is answered in the affirmative, the
minister shall say : " I pronounce you husband and wife ; what, there-
fore, God hath joined together, let no man put asunder." He shall then
conclude the ceremony with a prayer for the Divine blessing to rest
upon the newly-constiiuted family.
4. When Solemnized. — INIarriage should not be solemnized on the
Sabbath, or on a day of public fasting.
ARTICLE Vl.
THE VISITATION OF THE SICK.
1. Sick Should Send for ihe Elders — "When members of the church
are visited with sickness, tliev should send for their minister and elders,
and seek their counsels and prayers.* But if a minister or elder knows
of affliction in any of the families of the congregation, he should not
wait for an invitation to visit them. Nor should he confine his visits to
the sick of liis congreiration.
2. Conversation with the Sick — In conversing with the sick, care
should be taken to meet the wants of individual cases. H' tlie sick is
ignorant, he should be instructed; if he is careless, lie should be alarmed ;
if he is indulging in a false hope, he should be warned ; if he is a be-
liever, and depressed in spirit and walking in darkness, he should be
comforted. The ability and willingness of Christ to save are in all
cases appropriate subjects of conversation.
3. Private Conversations. — As the presence of friends and strangers
prevents a full statement of feelings and views, conversations with the
sick should often be in private.
4. Prayer with tlie Sick. — After a suitable time spent in conversation,
the minister or elder should pray wiih and for the sick.f The prayer
should be brief and earnest, and for such things as previous conversa-
tion has shown to be needful. AVhen thought proper, a portion of the
Scripture may be read in connection with the prayer.
ARTICLE VII.
THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD.
1. State of the Dead Unchangenhle — As nothing can affect or change
the condition of the dead, every thing which savors of superstition or
vain display should be avoided at funerals.
* James v. 14. f James v. 14, 15.
MISCELLANEOUS. 71
2. Not on the Sahhath. — No funeral should take place on the Sab-
bath, except ill cases of absolute necessity.
3. Exercises at the House. — Before the body is removed to the
grave, the minister may read a portion of Scripture, offer a prayer,
and make some remarks to comfort the mourners and warn the living.
III. RULES OF ORDER.
OFFICERS OF THE ASSEMBLY AND THEIR ELECTION.
1. Officers. — The officers of the Assembly shall be a moderator, a
principal clerk, and a second clerk.
2. Election of Moderator. — Immediately after the constitution of the
Assembly, the commissioners shall, by ballot, choose one of their num-
ber to act as moderator for tlie ensuing year.
3. Election of Clerks. — The principal and the second clerks shall be
elected by ballot, and their term of office shall be four years. They
may be members of Assembly or not, as may be deemed expedient.
4. Assistant Clerk. — At the request of the stated clerks, the Assem-
bly may choose an assistant clerk to serve during the sessions of the As-
sembly.
5. Majority Necessary to Elect. — It shall require a majority of all
the votes cast to elect. In case there is no election on the first ballot,
the Assembly shall proceed to ballot for the two candidates having the
highest number of votes.
DUTIES OF THE MODERATOR.
6. Constituting the Assembly. — At the time appointed, the moder-
ator of the last Assembly, or his alternate, or, in their absence, the
oldest minister present, shall open the meeting with a sermon, consti-
tute the Assembly with prayer, and preside until a new moderator is
chosen.
7. Enforcing the Rules. — The moderator shall preside over the As-
sembly, and enforce its rules of order.
8. Talcing the Vote. — When the deliberations on a particular subject
are closed, the moderator shall give a concise and clear statement of the
question, take the vote, and announce the result from the chair.
9. Casting Vote. — The moderator shall vote with the other members
of the Assembly when the vote is taken by ballot. In any other case, if
the Assembly is equally divided, he shall have the casting vote; but if
he does not choose to vote, he may put the question a second time, and
if the result is the same, the question shall be lost.
10. Deciding Questions of Order. — The moderator shall decide all
questions of order, subject to an appeal to the Assembly by any two
members; or he may, in the first instance, submit the question to the
Assembly.
11. Speaking from the Cfiair. — The moderator may, without leaving
(72)
COMMITTEES. 73
the chair, speak to questions of order. But when he would express his
views on any business before the Assembly, he must call some member
to occupy the chair until he has concluded his remarks.
12. Nominating Committees — Unless otherwise determined by a
special motion, the moderator shall nominate all committees, subject to
the confirmation of the Assembly.
DUTIES OF THE CLERKS.
13. Principal Clerh The principal clerk shall keep a roll of mem-
bers of the Assembly ; call it at the opening of each session ; record
the transactions of the Assembly ; preserve the records and all papers
not otlierwise disposed of, and sign all orders and official papers.
14. Second Clerk Tlie second clerk shall have charge of all papers
relating to statistics ; prepare the forms ; take the necessary measures
for the collection of full and accurate statistical information, and, in the
absence of the principal cleik, perform his duties.
15. Docket. — The clerks shall keep a docket with a full statement of
business referred by a termer Assembly, or left unfinished at a previous
session ; and shall keej) an exact entry upon it of every item accepted
for the considt-ration of the Assembly. All papers not referred, and re-
ports, shall he ])ut upon the docket in the order in which they are read,
unless otherwise ordered by a vote.
QUORUM.
10. Of How Many it Consists. — " One-third of all the delegates duly
commissioned, being assembled at the time and place appointed, shall
be a finorum for tlie transaction of business." [Form of Government,
Chap, v.. Art. 4, Sec. 6.]
17. In Case there is no Quorum If a quorum is not assembled at
thp hour appointed, any two members shall be competent to adjourn
from time to time, that an opportunity may be given for a quorum to
assemble.
COMMITTEES.
18. Standing Committees — At the next sitting after the election of
moderator, or as soon thereafter as possible, the following standing com-
mittees shall be appointed, namely :
1. A Committee on Bills and Overtures.
2. A Judiciary Committee.
3. A Committee on Narrative and the State of Religion.
4. A Committee for each of the Boards of the Church,
o. A Committee on Sabbath Schools.
6. A Committee on Finance.
7. A Committee on Statistics.
8. A Committee on Correspondence.
9. A Committee on Devotional Exercises.
10. A Committee on Revision.
11. A Committee on Nominations.
[12. A Committee on Appropriations.]
19. Bills and Overtures. — The Committee on Bills and Overtures
shall consist of seven members, and be charged with the consideration
74 RULES OF ORDER.
of all such proposals for public acts, or other measures of general inter-
est, as shall be referred to them.
20. Judiciary. — The Judiciary Committee shall consist of seven
members, and to it shall be referred all questions involving the interpre-
tation of the existing laws and doctrines of the church.
21. Narrative and State of Jielif/ion. — The Committee on Narrative
and the State of Religion shall consist of live members, and to it shall
be referred the reports of Presbyteries. It sl)all prepare a statement of
the events of the past year, and of the state of religion throughout the
church.
22. Boards of the Clmrch Tlie Committees for the Boards of the
Church shall consist of five members each, and it shall be the duty of
each to review the transactions of its Board and suggest new measures.
23. Sabbath Schools. — Tlie Committee on Sabbath Schools sliall con-
sist of five members, and to it shall be referred all reports and papers
relatirig to Sabbath Schools. It shall be their duty to report on the
Sabbath Schools of the church, and suggest any measures tiiat would
increase their usefulness.
24. Finance. — The Committee on Finance shall consist of five mem-
bers, and to it shall be referred the reports of the treasurers of the As-
sembly, and of the Boards, and all papers relating to finances ; and it
shall report necessary measures to secure liberal and systematic contri-
butions to the funds and institutions of the church.
[Standing Rule — See Appropriations.
All resolutions ofiered in the General Assembly, and all propositions
coming from others than Boards and Standing Committees, appropri-
ating money, shall first be referred to the Committee on Finance, to be
examined, and their judgment reported before final action.]
2o. Statistics. — The Committee on Statistics shall consist of five
members, and to it shall be referred all papers and reports concerning
statistics, and it shall propose any action necessary to secure full and
correct statistical information.
2G. Correspondence. — The Committee on Correspondence shall con-
sist of five members, and to it shall be referred all matters relating to
intercourse with other churches.
27. Devotional Exercises. — The Committee on Devotional Exercises
shall consist of five members, and shall arrange all the religious exer-
cises of the meeting, and nominate the preachers for the next Assem-
bly.
28. Revision. — The Committee on Revision shall consist of five
members, and to it shall be referred the minutes of the Assembly and
of the Synods, and it shall report on tlie manner in which the minutes
have been recorded, and whether the proceedings of the Synods have
been according to Presbyterial order.
29. Nominations. — The Committee on Nominations shall nominate
to the Assembly persons to fill the vacancies occurring in all tlie Boards.
\_Appropriaiions. — Consisting of one member from each of the com-
mittees on the Boards and one from the Committee on Finances, to
which shall be referred all the estimates of the Boards and all other
claims for money to support the general work of the Church, and
whose duty it shall be to report the appropriation for the general work
ORDER OF BUSINESS. 75
entrusted to the Boards or special agencies, and to recommend proper
measures to secure liberal and systematic contributions to the funds and
institutions of the church. See Appropriations, Sec. 2.]
30. Credentials. — The Assembly shall, during its sessions, appoint a
Committee on Credentials, consisting of two members, whose duty it
shall be to prepare the roll for the next Assembly.
31. Notification of Committees — Tiie chairman of each committee
shall be furnished with a list of itg members, and a copy of th'^ minute
of their appointment, when it contains any specifications of their duty,
togetiier with all papers referred to them.
32. Reports of Committees — The report of a committee, presented at
the regular time in order of business, may be accepted without a motion,
unless it contains something objectionable to the Assembly. But at
any other time it may be accepted only on motion.
33. Discharge of Committee — The acceptance of a report discharges
the committee from the further consideration of the business, unless by
vote recommitted to it.
34. Committee of the Whole — As it may sometimes answer valuable
ends for the members of the Assembly to confer together on certain sub-
jects in a manner which would not consist with the strict rules of the
court, the Assembly may resolve itself into a " Committee of the
"Whole," or extra-judicial conference.
3 .'j. Rules — The moderator of the Assembly shall appoint a chairman
to preside, whose duty it shall be to report to the Assembly business
thus extra-judicially transacted. The rules of the Assembly shall be
observed as far as they are applicable in the Committee of the Whole,
excepting that the previous question cannot be called, the ayes and
nays required, nor can there be an appeal from the decision of the
chair.
36. Report — The Committee of the Whole cannot adjourn; it must
always rise and report to the Asseml)ly. If the business referred
thereto is not finished, the Committee, through the chairman, " reports
progress, and asks leave to sit again," which the Assembly may grant
or refuse, at its discretion.
ORDER OF BUSINESS.
37. Each session of the Assembly shall be opened and closed with
prayer.
The order of business at every session, unless suspended by a vote of
two-thirds, shall be as follows :
1. Calling the roll and marking absentees.
2. Hearing the excuses of absentees, and censuring them, if their ab-
sence appears to have been unnecessary.
3. Reading and approving the minutes.
4. The presentation of letters, papers, petitions, or matters requiring
reference.
5. The presentation of reports from standing and select committees.
6. Unfinished business.
7. New business, in the order in which it was put on the docket.
76 RULES OF ORDER.
MOTIONS.
38. iVo Action or Speaking Without a Motion — The Assembly can-
not act but in virtue of a motion regularly in its possession ; and no
speaking shall be allowed without a formal motion, unless it is for ex-
planation, or on questions of privilege.
39. Motions Must be Seconded and Announced — No motion shall be
in possession of the Assembly until it is seconded and announced by
the moderator in the words of the motion.
40. 3Iotions Reduced to Writing --Every motion and amendment shall
be reduced to writing, if the moderator or any member desires it.
41. Name of Mover, etc.. Recorded. — The names of tlie person who
moves, and of "the person who seconds a motion, may be entered upon the
minutes at the discretion of the clerk.
42. Withdrawiny a Motion Any member who makes a motion,
shall have the liberty to withdraw it, with the consent of his second,
before any debate has taken j)lace thereon, but not afterwards, without
the leave of the Assembly.
43. Privileged Questions. — "When a question is under consideration,
no motion shall be received except " to adjourn," "to lay on the table,"
for " the previous question," " to postpone indefinitely," *• to postpone to
a time certain," "to commit," or "to amend;" and these motions
shall have precedence in the order in which they are arranged.
44. Use to be Made of Privileged Questions. — These privileged ques-
tions are not designed to separate amendments or appendages from the
main question, and consequently cannot be moved on each other, but
upon the main question ; except " to adjourn," and " to postpone to a
time certain," may be amended as to the time ; and " to commit" may
be amended in the question of the committee, and instructions.
45. Motion to Adjourn. — A motion to adjourn is always in order, ex-
cept when the Assembly is taking a vote, or when a member is speak-
ing.
46. Previous Question. — Auy two members may call for the Previous
Question, which shall be put in this form : " Shall the main question
now be put ?" If seconded by a majority of the members present, all
debate shall cease, and the Assembly shall vote, first on pending
amendments, if any, and then upon the main question.
47. No Debate after Previous Question is Called. — All incidental
questions of order arising after a motion is made for the Previous Ques-
tion, and pending such, shall be decided, whether on appeal or other-
wise, without debate.
48. Motion to Lay on the Table. — The motion " to lay on the table "
has for its object the temporary removal of business from the consider-
ation of the Assembly, and if decided in the affirmative on the main
question or on the amendment, removes the whole subject from before
the Assembly, until it is again taken up.
49. Indefinite Postponement. — When any question is postponed in-
definitely, the same shall not be acted upon again during the entire
meeting of the Assembly, except by a vote of two-thirds of the As-
sembly.
50. Order of the Day When a question is postponed to a " time
DEBATE. 77
certain," it becomes the "order of tlie day " for that time, and takes
the precedence of all other business.
51. Amendments. — Motions are always open to amendment, even to
the complete alteration of the motion.
52. Number of Amendments. — An amendment may itself be amended,
but no further complication in this way shall be permitted ; and this
last amendment shall be considered tirst.
53. Substitutes — Substitutes for motions or resolutions may, with the
consent of the Assembly, be admitted instead of the original motion and
its appendages ; but the effect of a substitute is to supersede the original
motion altogether.
54. Division of Question. — If the question in debate contain several
points, any two members may have the same divided, provided the di-
vision called for embodies a distinct principle, or statement of fact.
i>i). Questions not Debatable. — All motions " to put on the docket,"
" to adjourn," " for the previous question," " to lay on the table," " to
take up business," in relation to the priority of business, and the ad-
mission of substitutes, shall be decided without debate.
5G. Reconsideration A motion for reconsideration can be made only
by a member who voted with the majority, and unless by consent of two-
thirds of the membei-s present, can be entertained only when offered at
the same, or next subsequent sitting of the Assembly.
57. Notice of Motion. — A motion on any subject connected with the
doctrine, discipline, government, or order of the church, shall not be
considered until the second sitting after the one at which it is offered.
DEBATE.
58. Obtaining the Floor. — When a member desires to address the As-
sembly, he must rise and address the moderator, and he may not pro-
ceed until the moderator recognizes him, and announces his name.
The moderator shall always give the floor to the member who first ad-
dresses him, or to the one farthest from the chair when two or more ad-
dress him at the same time.
59. DecoTnim of Members. — Every member, when speaking, shall ad-
dress himself to tiie moderator, and to no other person, except through
the moderator; he shall treat his fellow members, and especially the
moderator, with decorum and respect, and shall attend closely, in his
speech, to the question under consideration.
60. Calls to Order. — If any speaker acts, in any respect, in a dis-
orderly manner, it shall be the privilege of any member, and the duty
of the n-oderator, to call him to order; and a member thus called to order
shall immediately take his seat, until it is determined whether he was
out of order or not, or until leave is given him by the Assembly to pro-
ceed.
Gl. Number of Speeches. — On questions of order, postponement, com-
mitment, or matters which have been discussed in Committee of the
Whole, no member shall speak more than once, without express leave
of the Assembly. On all other questions, each member may speak
twice.
62. End of Debate. — When the moderator has risen to take the vote,
no further debate or remark shall be admitted, unless there has evi-
78 RULES OF ORDER.
dently been a mistake ; in tliis case, the mistake shall be rectified, and
he shall recommence taking the vote.
VOTING.
63. Taking the Vote Before taking the vote, the motion shall be
repeated by tiie moderator, who shall put the question in the following
form : " As many as are in favor of the motion will say. Aye." After
the affirmative is ex[)ressed : " As many as are opposed will say, No.'^
64. Division If tliere is any doubt as to the result of the vote, the
moderator, or any member, may call for a division of the house : the
moderator shall tlien repeat the motion, and shall require the Ayes to
rise and be counted, and then the Nays to rise and be counted in like
manner, and siiall pronounce accordingly.
65. Ayes and Nays One-fourth of the members present may de-
mand the Ayes and Nays on any question ; the roll shall then be called,
and the vote of each member recorded in the minutes.
66. Non-Voters Members, without weighty reasons, are not to de-
cline voting. Silent members, unless excused from voting, are reckoned
•with the majority.
67. Interested Parties No member shall have the privilege of vot-
ing on a question in which he is personally interested, or in any case
where he was not present when the question was put, unless with the
consent of the Assembly.
68. Filling BJanls "When various propositions are made with re-
spect to filling blanks with particular numbers, sums, or times, the
question shall always be on the highest number, the largest sum, and
the longest or remotest time.
69. Appeals. — Any two members feeling aggrieved by a decision of
the moderator may appeal to the Assembly, whose determination of the
matter shall be final. The question shall be put in this form : " Shall
the decision of the moderator be sustained?"
MISCELLANEOUS.
70. Leave of Absence No member may absent himself from the
sessions of the Assembly without its consent.
71. Private Sessions. — The Assembly has the right to sit with closed
doors on business, which, in its judgment, ought not to be made a
matter of public notoriety.
72. Final Adjournment. — The Assembly shall close its meeting with
prayer, singing, and the benediction.
73. Printing Minutes. — The minutes of the Assembly shall be pub-
lished by the Board of Publication, under the direction of the clerks, as
soon as possible after the adjournment.
74. Amendments. — These rules of order may be suspended or amended
by a vote of two-thirds of the members of the Assembly.
75. Rules in Lower Courts All Synods, Presbyteries and Sessions,
under the care of the Assembly, are directed to observe these rules of
order so far as applicable.
IV. DIGEST.
PEINCIPAL ACTS AND DELIVERANCES OF THE
GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
I. AMUSEMENTS.
Dancing, Theatrical Exhibitions, &c. — Resolved, That the mem-
bers of the United Presbyterian Church be exhorted to avoid all asso-
ciation with men of the world in vain and ensnaring recreations, such
as promiscuous dancing, theatrical exhibitions, and such like amuse-
ments as are adapted to alienate the affections from God, and expose
the Christian character to reproach ; and that pastors and Sessions be
careful to warn those under their care in relation to the danger of hav-
ing any fellowship with the world in any such practices. Vol. I, p.
120, 1860.
The question which this Assembly is asked to answer is the follow-
ing, viz.: '' Is the mingling of the sexes in the dance in a private house,
where only the moral and respectable are permitted to participate, a
violation of the law of the United Presbyterian Church, when the
parties engaged in the dance are members of her communion?"
In the judgment of your committee the deliverance of the General
Assembly in its action of the year 1860 was intended to define " promis-
cuous dancing" as one of the " vain and ensnaring recreations" of the
men of the world, and that for members of the church to engage in the
promiscuous dance, even with one another, is to have fellowship with
the world in its sinful recreations. And that said deliverance of the
Assemldy upon this subject is a distinct and unequivocal disapproval of
such practices.
We recommend for adoption the following:
Resolved, That the petitioners be referred to the deliverance of the
Assembly in its action upon the subject of amusements, in 1860, as
giving a full and explicit answer to their question. Vol. V, p. 15, 1879.
II. APPEALS.
1. Parties to an Appeal. — [In M'Cune's case, Rev. Samuel Wil-
son and others, members of Synod, appealed from a decision of the
(79)
80 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Second Synod, and tlie Synod was recognized by the Assembly as a
party. Vol. II, pp. 395, 413, 1867.]
In an appeal from a lower court, the lower court becomes a party in
the case before the higher court, and appears there as such by its author-
ized agents. Vol. II, p. 409, 18G7.
[In Gordon's appeal, the appeal was declared inadmissible because
the appellants were not original parties in the case, and because tiie in-
terests of truth and righteousness were not injuriously affected by the
decision of the Synod. Vol. Ill, p. 420, 1872.]
[In McCaughan's second appeal, the appeal was declared inadmis-
sible because the parties against whom the decision was made did not
appeal, and it is not alleged that the^iui'ity of the Cliurch or the inter-
ests of trutli and rigliteousness were injuriously affected bv the decision.
Vol. VII, j). 210. 1889.1
2. Parties Must be Heard Before Judgment. — The Presbytery
of Des Moines refused to grant the petition of certain memorialists on
the alleged ground that they were not in good standing as members of
the Church.
Resolved, That the appeal be sustained because the lower courts
passed judgment on the memoralists unheard. Vol. VI, p. 679, 1887.
[See McCaughan's first Appeal.]
3. Papers in the Case of an Appeal may be Amended. —
[An appeal from tlie Second Synod was endorsed by the moderator of
that Synod as having been put in his hands on a certain date, which
was two days over the time specified in the Book of Discipline. It ap-
pearing from the statement, both of the ap[)ellants and of tlie moderator,
that the appeal with the reasons thereof was placed in his hands before
the exj)iration of the specified time, he was permitted to correct his en-
dorsement by the following action :]
Resolved, 1. That the moderator of the Second Synod is hereby
permitted to am mend his endorsement of the appeal according to the
facts.
2. That upon this correction, the Assembly proceed to the issuing
of the appeal. Vol. II, p. 398, 1867. [A dissent against this action
was entered, Vol. II, p. 401, 1867, and answered, Vol. II, p. 408,
1867.]
3. The Right of Members of a Lower Court to Vote in the
Case of an Appeal. — The following amendment was submitted to the
Presbyteries as a separate overture : Strike out the last clause in Book
II, Chap. XII, Sec. 2, and insert the following : " When a matter is
transferred in any of these ways from an inferior to a superior judica-
tory, tlie inferior judicatory shall, in no case, be considered a party, ex-
cept in cases of declinature ; but its members shall have the right to
sit, deliberate and vote in the higher courts. Vol. I, p. 351, 1862.
[The vote on this overture was, ayes, 275 ; nays, 192 ; not voting, 13.
Vol. I, p. 490, 1863. The Book of Government and Discipline,
adopted in 1866, declares that " the members of the inferior court shall
have the right to sit and deliberate, but not to vote." In the case of
an appeal from the Synod of Illinois, a question relative to the right of
the Synod to vote was raised, when the following resolution was of-
fered :]
APPEALS. 81
Resolved, That Section 3, Chapter XII, in the Book of Government,
is not considered by this Assembly as giving it authority to exclude any
Synod in the Assembly from voting on an appeal, except in motions
where the Synod is a party in the case.
* * The following amendment was offered :
Inasmucli as the question as to members of an inferior court voting
in a superior in all cases of judicial transfer was, by the General As-
sembly, overtured some time ago to the Presbyteries and decided in the
affirmative by the large majority of eighty-three votes ; and inasmuch
as this decision, coming from tlie Presbyteries, became virtually from
that time forth the law of the church on this subject and wanted only
the formality of enactment on the part of the Assembly of being regu-
larly and fully said law ; and inasmuch as it is a notorious fact that the
rule on this subject in our Book of Government is, through oversight on
the part of the church, entirely inconsistent with said decision ; there-
fore,
Resolved, 1. That this matter be overtured anew to the Presbyteries
for final decision.
2 That in the meantime, the previous decision of the Presbyteries
on this subject be accepted, as the law by which we are to be governed.
This amendment was laid upon the table. The moderator decided
that the members of the Synod of Illinois had not a right to vote on the
question of the adoption of the report. An appeal was taken from this
decision, but it was not sustained. Vol. II, pp. 394, 395, 18G7. [A
dissent with reasons was entered, Vol. II, p. 39a, and answered, Vol.
II, p. 409, 1867.]
5. Rights of a Member of a Court pending an Appeal affect-
ing his Seat. — [A question was raised as to the right of James Skinner
to act with the Session of the First Church of Washington, Iowa, while
the appeal was pending concerning his right to a place in the Session.
On this question the Synod of Iowa took the following action: ^'^ Re-
solved, That in the judgment of this Synod, he is entitled to sit and act
with the Session." From this a(!tion an appeal was taken to the As-
sembly. The Assembly took the following action :J
Resolved, That no further proceedings in this case are necessary. Vol.
VI, p. 680, 1887. [See Dawson's second Appeal.]
r.. Proposed Amendment to the Article on Appeals in the
Book of Government. — The amendments suggested would not mater-
ially improve the present article on appeals. * * *
Therefore,
Resolved, That the matter of revising Article III, Chapter XII, of
the Book of Government, be indefinitely postponed. Vol. Ill, p. 287,
1871.
7. Presbyteries may, in Exceptional Cases, Appeal Directly
to the Assembly. — The Presbyter}' of Oregon signify ti)eir cordial re-
ception of the Testimony and other doctrinal standards of the United
Presbyterian Church ; but owing to their remote position, they reserve
the right of final jurisdiction over all matters, except such as may be
appealed directly to the General Assembly ; and moreover, reserve the
right of sending delegates to the General Assembly, as they may deem
expedient.
6
82 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Hesolved, That the General Assembly cordially acquiesce in the pro-
posal of the Presbytery of Oregon, and regard it as one of the Presby-
teries under its care. Vol. I, p. 107, 18(50.
The Presbyteries of Egypt and Sialkot are isolatf'.d and without
Synodical control, and * * from the nature of the case have practi-
cally synodical powers. Vol. V, p. 29, 1879.
8. Appeal Cases Reported in this Digest. — The following ap-
peal cases are reported in this Digest under their appropriate headings:
On Marriage with a Deceased Wife's Sister; of James Dawson, (first
and second); of James Donaldson; of Kev. J. C. E^vans ; of Rev. R.
Gailey ; of Rev, H. Gordon ; of A. Grant ; of Adam Green ; of Rev. W.
R. Hutchison ; of Rev. C. T. McCaughan, (first and second); of Ellen
Marshall and otliers ; of Rev. J. T. Tate ; of Rev. S. Wilson.
III. APPROPRIATIONS.
1. Standing Rule on Appropriations. — Resolved o. That the
following be adopted as a standing Rule :
All resolutions otiered in the General Assembly, and all propositions
coming from others than Boards and Standing Committees, appropria-
ting money, shall first be referred to the Committee of Finance, to be
examined, and their judgment reported before final action. Vol. V, p.
358, 1881.
2. A Committee on Appropriations. — [The representatives of
the several Boards asked that there be added to the Standing Commit-
tees of the General Assembly a Committee on Appropriations, con-
sisting of one member from each of the committees on the Boards, and
one from the committee on Finance, to which shall be referred all the
estimates of the Boards and all other claims for money to support the
general work of the Church, and whose duty it shall be to report the
appropriations for the general work entrusted to the Boards or to special
agencies, and to recommend proper measures to secure liberal and sys-
tematic contributions to the funds and institutions of the Church.
Thereupon the General Assembly adopted the following :]
Resolved, That a committee on appropriations be appointed, in accor-
dance with the request of the representatives of the Boards of the
Church. Vol. VII, p. 33, 1888.
IV. ARMY AND NAVY.
The Religious Interests of the Army and Navy.— [A paper
was presented to the Assembly from the Corresponding Secretary of
the Chaplains of tlie army, asking the Assembly to unite with other evan-
gelical Churches in petitioning Congress to increase the number of
chaplains, and to take measures for the amelioration of the condition of
the soldiers. The following was adopted by tlie Assembly :]
Resolved, That this General Assembly is in hearty sympathy with
every proper movement now being made lor the improvement of the
moral and spiritual condition of our soldiers and marines, and would
adopt, as expressive of its sentiments on this subject, the following sug-
gestions of the aforementioned communication :
THE ASSEMBLY MONTHLY. 83
1. The appointment of chaplains in such number as to provide for
every post occupied by troops.
2. A movement to secure the convocation of the chaplains in annual
session for conference about their work, and for devisin^ new and im-
proved methods. °
3. The setting apart of the Sabbatii on, or immediately preceding, the
fourth of July as Army and Navy Dav, on which one service, at least,
will be held in connection with that patriotic occasion, when special
prayers shall be offered, and the attention of the congregations called to
the duty of the Church toward the naval and military forces of the
country, whicii are maintained for the supremacy of authority and de-
fence of our borders, who, by the manner of life required in the service
of their country, imperil both soul and body for the common good.
4. That gambling be prohibited in the army and navy.
5. That the use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage be prohibited.
6. That the rights of Christian ofHcers and men to a conscientious
observance of the holy Sabbath be guaranteed against invasion by su-
periors in requiring any duty not exigent and unavoidable.
7. That a commission of five, with a corresponding secretary, be ap-
pointed to co-operate with like commissions from other Churches in ob-
taining as soon as possible the legislation necessary to secure the above
mentioned improvement in the moral and religious condition of our
soldiers and marines ; and also to act as a Board to examine and re-
commend for appointment to the position of chaplain, such ministers as
may apply for such a position. Vol. VII, p. 22G, 1889.
[The commission reported that there is a sad neglect on the part of
our Government in providing for the religious and moral interests of our
soldiers, and that, although Congress had not taken action, some pro-
gress had been made towards the object in view. The Assembly
approved what had been done, and continued the committee. Vol.
VII, pp. 429, 501, 1890.]
During the past year a " Union Christian Commission " has been
organized, consisting of all the chaplains of the army and the chairmen
of the committees appointed by the churches in the interest of the moral
and religious welfare of the army and navy. The first meeting of said
Christian Commission was held at Washington, D. C, December 10,
1890. The objects of the commission are the promotion of the intellec-
tual, moral and religious welfare of the army and navy, by su-^aesting
and urging national legislation and administration, securing weThquali-
fied chaplains, encouraging Sabbath observance, promoting temperance,
multiplying libraries and reading rooms, and awakening the sentiment
of the nation to a sense of its obligations to this class of our fellow-
citizens, and insisting that moral qualifications be made the condition of
promotion in the army. * * *
[The Assembly approved the report, and appointed a committee to
continue the work. Vol. VII, pp. G23, 731, 1891.]
V. ASSEMBLY MONTHLY.
[The General Assembly, Vol. V, p. 3G2, 1881, directed the Perma-
nent Committee on Finance to publish a little monthly paper, giving
84 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OV THE ASSEMBLY.
information respecting the operation and wants of all the Boards of the
Church, and helpful suggestions as to tlie duty, privilege and best means
for securing the largest contributions of money for the work of Chris-
tian beneficence. Tlie committee reported to the following Assembly,
recommending the re-organization of tlie committee with special refer-
ence to this work, and sugsesting metiiods for the introduction of the
paper into every family of the Church.
The General Assembly appro\ed the plans of tlie Permanent Com-
mittee, and constituted tlie committee of seven persons, each to serve
for three years ; recommended pastors, Sessions, financial agents, super-
intendents of missions and the people in general, to co-operate with the
committee in securing the introduction of tiie paper into every family of
the Church; and authorized the Committee to draw on the Board of
Publication for an amount not exceeding $800, to defray the expenses
of publication until subscriptions would be received and the paper be
self-sustaining. Vol. V, p. 540, 1882.
The Committee reported to the following Assembly that eight num-
bers had been issued, and that the appropriation had not been called for.
The Assembly renewed the appropriation and the recommendation con-
cerning the introduction of the paper, and, also, authorized tlie com-
mittee to secure the services of two ladies to conduct the ladies' de[)art-
ment of the paper. Vol. V, pp. 730, 791, 1883.
Deeply impressed with the need of such a paper as The Assemble/
Monthly, and being satisfied that much good had been done, the Assem-
bly transferred the publication of the paper from the Committee on
Finance to the Board of Publication. Vol. VI, p. 36, 1884.
Tlie Board of Publication reported, that there had been a loss in the
publication, and that "in our judgment the paper does not accomplish
good commensurate with the cost of publishing it." Whereupon the
General Assembly adopted the following:]
Resolved, That the publication of the Assembly Monthly be discon-
tinued. Vol. VJ, pp. 229, 277, 1885.
VI. ASSOCIATE SYNOD.
Transfer of Funds from the Associate Synod.— [The Associate
Synod ap|)ears in the proceedings of the General Assembly only in con-
nection with the transfer, management and settlement of what is com-
monly known as the " Speers Estate." For a full record, see Speers
Estate.]
VII. ASSOCIATE REFORMED SYNOD OF THE SOUTH.
1. Correspondence with the Associate Reformed Synod of
the South. — Resolved, That this Assembly ajipoint a deputation to
carry our salutations to the Synod of the Associate Reformed Presby-
terian Church South, to meet in Winnsborough, South Carolina, and
invite them to open a correspondence with this Assembly by delegation.
Vol. II, p. 487, 1868. [Tlie next Assembly received a communication
from a committee of the Associate Reformed Synod, " setting forth that
for the present it is not expedient that a correspondence be established
between the churches," when the following action was taken :]
ASSOCIATE REFORMED SYNOD OF THE SOUTH. 8.J
^ Resolved, That another commissioner to the Associate Reformed
Synod of the South be not appointed until such time as we may be
assured by that body of a readiness to enter into a friendly corresi)ond-
ence with us. Vol. Ill, p. 1 ], 186U.
[A delegate from the Associate Reformed Svnod of the South pre-
sented credentials and was received by the Assembly in 1873, and the
Assembly adopted the following :]
Resolved, That this Assembly will appoint a delegation to attend the
next meeting of the Associate Reformed Synod of the South /»= * *
Vol. Ill, p. 515, 1873. [Correspondence by delegates has been con-
tinued since tliat time.]
2. Co-operation with the Associate Reformed Synod of the
South m Mission Wor)s.— Resolved. That this Assembly will ap-
point a delegation to attend tiie next meeting of the Associate Reformed
Synod of the South, and assuring its members of our fraternal regards,
and of our desire for its prosperity in the maintenance and extension of
the truth, invite them to co-operate with us in the Home and Foreign
Mission work, and in mutual efforts to promote the cause of our common
Lord. Vol. Ill, p. 515, 1873.
Resolved, That in view of the sympathy that it is believed there is be-
tween the Associate Reformed Synod of the South and the United
Presbyterian Church, in their principles, faith and usages in the wor-
ship of God, and in view of the work that it is also believed is openin^^
up for these churches together, in home and foreign fields, the Assemt
bly deem it entirely desirable, and indulge the hope that it is practicable,
that they should be brought into an organic union as soon as the provi-
dence of God shall indicate that the time has come for it. Vol IV n
10, 1874. ' ^*
Resolved, That [a committee] be appointed to confer with the com-
mittee appointed by the Associate Reformed Synod of the South in re-
lation to co-operation in mission work. Vol. IV, p. 177, 1875. [This
joint committee prepared the following basis of co-operation, which was
approved by the Assembly. Vol. IV, p. 314, 1876.]
In view of the common origin and substantial unity of the churches
represented, the following resolutions were, after mature consideration,
unanimously adopted:
Resolved, 1. That the Presbyteries r)f each body shall sustain the
same relation to those of the otiier as they do to the co-ordinate courts
of their own ; and that the ministers and licentiates of each shall be eli-
gible to appointments and settlements in the congregations of the other.
2. That the courts of each shall respect the discipline of the other.
3. That the ministers and members of the two bodies are recom-
mended to cultivate friendly relations and Christain fellowship with
each other as God, in his providence, may offer opportunity.
4. That the two bodies shall co-operate in the several departments of
work on the following plan :
I. That the existing relations of the two churches in regard to the
work of Foreign Missions shall be continued.
II. That in the Home field neitiier body shall interfere with the
other ; but that either may grant such aid in men and means as may l»e
requested by the proper authorities of the other.
86 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
III. That the two bodies shall co-operate in building up and sustain-
ing the Normal or Training School of the United Presbyterian Church
for the Freedmen, established at Knoxville, Tennessee, the great object
of which is to furnish teachers and preachers for that class of people.
IV. That in the cause of Church Extension, we recommend the same
co-operation as in the work of Home Missions.
V. That in the work of Publication, the Associate Reformed Synod
of the South co-operate in the support of the Board of the I'nited Pres-
byterian Church; that the Synod shall have a claim on the Board to an
amount in books, at wholesale value, equal to their contributions, and
that the Board supply the churclies and individuals of the Synod with
such publications as they may need on tlie most favorable terms.
5. That in the judgment of tlie members ol the Joint Committee, the
providence of God seems to be o|)ening the way for closer relations be-
tween the two churches represented by them, and they recommend that
the ministers and members of the churches look forward to such event
as one that promises much for the glory of God and the advancement of
his cause.
6. Tiiat the foregoing action of the Conference be published in the
periodicals of the two churches, and recommended to the General As-
sembly of the United Presbyterian Church and the Associate Reformed
Synod of the South for their adoption. Vol. IV, p. 358, 1870.
4. Tliat the Board [of Home ^lissions] be authorized to give assist-
ance to the Associate Reformed Church of the South, if in its judgment
tlie prospects of the field will justify it, in establishing Psalm-singing
congregations in imjjortant centres in the South. Vol. VII, p. IG,
1888.
?. Union with the Associate Reformed Synod of the South.
— Resolved, Tliat in view of tlie sympathy that it is i)elieved there is
between the Associate Reformed Synod of tlie South and the United
Presbyterian Church, in their princi[)les, faith, and usages in the wor-
ship of God, and in vi<jw of the work that it is also believed is opening
up for these churches together, in home and foreign fields, the Assembly
deem it entirely desirable, and indulge the hope that it is practicable,
that they should be brought into an organic union, as soon as the provi-
dence of God shall indicate that the time has come for it.
Resolved, That the Assembly will appoint delegates to attend the
next meeting of the Synod of that church, and that these delegates be in-
structed to act as divine Providence shall direct in regard to the propriety
of proposing, or acceding to the appointment of a committee of Assem-
bly, to confer with a similar committee appointed by the Synod, on the
whole subject of co-operation or organic union. Vol. IV, p. 10, 1874.
Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed by this Assembly to
confer with any similar committee that may be appointed by the Associ-
ate Reformed Synod of the South, to which the general subject of union
between the United Presbyterian Church and the Associate Reformed
Synod shall be referred; said committee to report to the next General
Assembly. Vol. IV, p. 314, 1876.
[This committee was continued. Vol. IV, pp. 454, 1877 ; 575, 1878 ;
Vol. V, pp. 32, 1879; 203, 1880; 363, 1881 ; 535, 1882; 715, 1883.]
Resolved, 2. That negotiations be continued with the Associate
ASSOCIATE REFORMED SYNOD OF THE SOUTH. 87
Reformed Synod of the South, with the earnest hope that such suggestions
may be proposed by our brethren, or such methods adopted by the joint
committee, as will direct all the issues in this case to the glory of God,
the good of his cause, and the honor of our respective Chui'ches. Vol.
Y, p. 203, 1880.
A committee was appointed to prepare and submit to the Assembly
for its action, such propositions as express, in definite form, the proper
course for this Assembly to pursue for the speedy consummation of the
union with the Associate Reformed Synod of the South. [The com-
mittee reported, and the following action was taken :]
Resolved, 1. That tlie present Committee of Conference with the
Associate Reformed Synod of tl)e South be, and is hereby authorized to
submit to said Synod the following terms, upon which tlie United Presby-
terian Church of Nortii America is willing and desirous to consummate
without delay the union of these two bodies, viz :
1. That in the negotiations tliat may be carried on, and in the United
Church, if our two bodies are brought together, there shall not be any
reference to past issues, and confessions of guilt or mistakes shall not be
implied or expected or asked for by either party.
2. There shall not be prepared any formal new basis of union, but an
agreement of the two Churches to come together, each accepting the
other's standards, and the Churches thus united to be under the juris-
diction of the General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church,
with tlie same privilege of dissent as to particular articles always ac-
corded to our own members, and with tlie understanding that the same
forbearance in love be extended to any who may not be able to fully
subscribe to these standards, so long as no determined opposition is made
to them, and subject also to such revision of these standards as may be
desirable to more perfectly harmonize tlie United Church.
Mesoh^ed, 2. That this Assembly empower the Committee of Confer-
ence with the Associate Reformed Synod of the South with all the
powers of this Assembly to act as a commission in the submission of
these propositions and in the acceptance of such action as may be taken
by the Associate Reformed Synod of the South, and in the adoption of
such other arrangements as may be deemed necessary for the consum-
mation of this proposed union, and to report to the next Assembly for
the ratification of the work thus done. Vol. V, pp. 344, 347, 1881.
Resolved, That the Committee of Conference be continued, with in-
structions to act as directed in the proposition for union adopted at the
last Assembly, in case there is occasion for it, and report to the next
Assembly. Vol. V, p. 535, 1882.
[A "general plan of union " was prepared, at an informal conference
of the delegates of the General Assembly and of tlie Associate Reformed
Synod to the joint Committee of Conference of the Psalm-singing
Churches, and submitted to the Assembly. It was adopted, and a Com-
mittee of Conference with the Associate Reformed Synod of the South
was appointed. Vol. VI, pp. 296, 227, 243, 1885.]
[The Committee of Conference met with the Associate Reformed
Synod of the South at its meeting at Due West, S. C, September 26,
1885, and reported to the Assembly a basis of union. The Assembly
adojited the following:]
88 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Whereas, The union of these churches, so closely allied in doctrine,
government, worship and history, is higlily desirable; Therefore,
Resolved, That the Basis of Union adopted by the Joint Conference
be sent down in overture to the Presbyteries, according to and in the
terms of its recommendation, the vote thereon to be taken during the
year and reported to tlie next General Assembly.
The basis, as reported by the Joint Committee, is as follows:
1. The Confession of Faith and Catechisms, as now received by both
Churches, together with the Testimony of the United Presbyterian
Church, shallbe the doctrinal standards of the united Church, with the
explicit understanding that the forbearance in love, which tlie law of
God requires, sliall be exercised towards any brethren who may not be
able fully to subscribe to all the Articles of the Testimony, provided
they siiall not determinedly op})Ose them, and shall follow the things
which make for jjcace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
2. The arrangement concerning details, until the interests of the
united Church require a change, sliall be as follows:
(1) The respective Presbyteries and Synods of the two Churches
shall remain as at present constituted.
(2j The Supreme Court of the Church shall be a General Assembly,
composed of delegates from the respective Presbyteries, the number of
delegates to be according to the proportion of ministerial members con-
stituting eacli Presbytery, as now fixed by the United Presbyterian
Church.
(3) The different Boards and institutions of the respective Churches
shall not be affected by this union, but shall have control of Iheir own
funds and shall conduct their operations as heretofore; and the Asso-
ciate Reformed Synod of the South shall retain its name and all its cor-
porate rights and privileges, and be controlled by its Book of Govern-
ment, Discipline and Worship, as at present. Vol. VI, p. 437, 1886.
[The following was adopted on the overture on union with the Asso-
ciate Reformed Synod of the South:]
The reports show that all the Presbyteries in this country voted, ex-
cept Argyle and Minnesota. The votes, as reported, stand as follows:
Ayes, 743; noes, 117; excused, 18; whole number, 878. One Pres-
bytery (Pawnee), while declining to vote in favor of the overture,
"mainly because that Church has declined entering the union on the
basis proposed," nevertheless gives it as their judgment "that such
union, whenever it can be effected on terms satisfactory to both parties,
is demanded by the interests of Christ's cause as committed to these
Churches." Therefore,
Resolved, 1. That the overwhelming majority of tiie Church have
declared their desire and readiness for union with the Associate Re-
formed Synod of the South on the basis proposed, whenever that
Church is ready to adopt it.
2. That no further action is required by the Assembly on this over-
ture. Vol. VI, p. 659, 1887.
89
VIII. BAPTISM.
1. Arian Baptism. — "Are Sessions, in receiving persons from that
denomination ot Arians called ' Christian?,' to require that they be re-
baptized ?" In our judgment such applicants for fellowship in the
church should be regarded as unbaptized persons, inasmuch as a com-
munity of Arians, denying the true and proper divinity of Jesus and his
atonement, by whatever name they may be denominated, is not en-
titled to be considered as a part of the visible church of Christ. Vol. I,
p. 112, 1860.
2. Papal Baptism. — [The question of the validity of Papal Baptism
•was, by the Assembly of 18G9, referred to a special committee. This
committee presented a report, Vol. Ill, p. 151, 1870, when the follow-
ing resolution was passed by a vote of 77 to 19 :]
Resolved, That in the judgment of this Assembly, Papal Baptism
should not be regarded as valid. Vol. Ill, j). 151, 1870.
[This resolution was afterwards reconsidered, when the following
was adopted by a vote of two-thirds :]
Whereas, The subject of Papal Baptism is one of great importance,
and one on which theie is a diversity of opinion ; therefore.
Resolved, Tliat the Assembly overture to the Presbyteries the follow-
ing question : Is Papal Baptism valid? Vol. Ill, p. 151, 1870.
[The vote on this overture was ayes, 41 ; nays, 494 ; not voting, 82.
The following resolutions were then unanimously adopted :]
Resolved, 1. That we hereby declare that the question overtured on
the validity of Papal Baptism is answered in the negative.
2. That while, as a general rule, Papal Baptism should be regarded
as invalid, yet, as it is believed by many in the church that there are
important exceptions to this rule, therefore this Assembly judges it ex-
pedient to leave the question of re-baptizing persons from the Papal
Church to the discretion of Sessions. Vol. Ill, p. 282, 1871.
3. Baptism by Immersion. — To the question submitted by the
Presbytery of Northern Indiana, " Whether it is lawful for a United
Presbyterian minister to administer baptism by immersion ?" we an-
swer : The Confession of Faith, Chap. XXVIII, Section 3, teaches as
follows, viz : '' Dipping of the person into tlie water is not necessary,
but baptism is rightly administered by pouring or sprinkling water
upon the person." Tiie Directory for Worship, Chapter I, Article 5,
Section 3, teaches as follows, viz.: ''Immersion in water is not necessary
to the validity of baptism. Baptism is rightfully administered when
water is applied to the person by pouring oi' sprinkling." Hence, the
position occupied by us as to immei-sion is, that whilst this method is a
legal mode, yet its expediency in ordinary cases must be questioned if
the request for its observance involves a failure to recognize also the
scriptural validity of pouring and sprinkling. A United Presbyterian
minister may, in the spirit of Christian forbearance, in extraordinary
cases, baptize a person by immersion who does not make opposition to the
general practice of the Church. Immersion is admissible, but pouring
and sprinkling are preferable, because these modes are more in accord-
ance with that which baptism is intended to signify and represent.
Vol. VII, p. 34, 1888.
90 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
4. Baptism may not be Repeated. — But in no case shall baptism
be repeated. Vol. VI 1, p. oi, IHJS-S.
5. Duty of Christian Parents. — Resolved, 3, That * * * we
ur^-e pastors and Sessions to impress the duty of consecrating infants to
God in baptism on tlie minds of Christian parents. Vol. VII, p. 653,
1891.
G. Formula of Questions for Baptism.— /t'esofcec?, That the
committee on the Directory for "Worsliip be instructed to prepare a
formula of questions to be used in the administration of baptism, and
that when adopted, said formula be inserted in tlie Directory for Wor-
ship and the Book, of Discipline ; and further, that in the applica-
tion of this, and the formula in the case of admission of memljers. Ses-
sions are affectionately recommended to use great tenderness towards
the weak, or such as are earnestly inquiring after the truth. Vol. II,
p. 31, 1864.
IX. BIBLE IX THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
Resolved, That this General Assembly earnestly recommends to its
members the diligent persual of the Scriptures for their personal profit,
and the use of such works as may lead them to a better understanding
of the truth, and so be more successful in teaching their children ; to
carefully practice the truth, and to use all proper means to secure the
use of the Bible in the schools of our land, so that the word of God may
be glorified in the future even more than in the past. Vol. IV, p. 321,
187G.
Whereas, The Bible is the great Magna Charta of all that is high-
est and best in morality, and the most potent factor in promoting a true
education ; and,
Whereas, The Suf)reme Court of Wisconsin has affirmed that the
Bible is a sectarian book and its use in the public schools unconstitutional;
and.
Whereas, A foreign hierarchy, existing in our midst with tremen-
dous influence, is seeking to have the Bible expelled from our common
schools ; therefore.
Resolved, That we see in all this not only a blow struck at the Bible,
but also at our free school system, and therefore at the freedom of our
nation.
2. That it is of the utmost importance to the welfare of the Republic,
as well as to the eificiency of our school system, that the Bible occupy a
place in our educational institutions.
3. That we stand ready to join hands with all other Christians in the
effort to keep and restore this book of God to its true and proper place
in our public schools, so that they may not become nurseries of vice and
crime rather than of virtue. Vol. VII, p. 422, 1890.
X. BIBLE SONGS.
1. Music for Sabbath Schools. Resolved, 4. That a committee
be appointed to prepare and publish a book of selections of Psalms set
to music, especially for the Sabbath Schools, it being understood that
biblp: songs. 91
the version used be such as the church has authorized. Vol. IV, p.
579, 1878.
[The committee reported that one hundred and fifty selections had
been made from the Psalms, to which an equal number of tunes, old and
new in about equal proportion, had been adapted. The General As-
sembly expressed " high appreciation of the earnestness and diligence of
the committee," and adopted the following ;]
I^esolved, 2. That the committee be instructed to carefully revise its
work, keeping in view tlie principle of adhering exclusively to our
authorized Psalmody, and publish it without any unnecessary delay.
3. Tliat this committee be instructed to have special reference in all
its selections of music to congregational singing, and to avoid such fre-
quent repetitions and responses as are not clearly suggested by the lan-
guage of the Psalms. Vol. Y, pp. IG, 82, 1879.
[The committee reported that " the selections had been revised," and
that " such changes in the work had been made as, in judgment of the
committee, were necessary to bring it into harmony with the require-
ment of the Assembly."]
Resolved. That the Assembly appoint a committee, which is hereby
directed before the issue of the next edition of " Bible Songs," so to re-
vise the book as to make it conform to the instructions on that subject,
given by the General Assembly of 1879, (see Minutes, vol. v, page 16,)
and ref)ort its revision to the next Assembly for approval. Vol. V, pp,
248, 191, 1880.
[The committee reported, " asking the Asseml)ly to excuse them
from undertaking the work that has been assigned them. Two of the
members of this committee were members of the original committee to
prepare the book. They * * are not able to proceed further to revise
the book without further and more specific instructions from the Gen-
eral Assembly. * * The majority (of the committee) are unable to un-
dertake the work on account of the general principle involved. * * The
principle of preparing and authorizing a ' book ' of praise, for the use of
Sabbath schools, consisting of selections from the Book of Psalms, in-
stead of the Book itself, is subversive of the position of the United
Presbyterian Church on the subject of psalmody." The Assembly
adopted the following :]
1st. That the request of the Committee on Revision of Bible Songs
be granted.
2d. That the restrictions of the last Assembly placed upon the Board
of Publication be removed, and that the Board be authorized to publish
'' Bible Songs " to meet the demand of the church. Vol. V, pp. 413,
34G, 1881.
2. Bible Songs Revised and Enlarged. — 4, There seems to be a
demand for a revision and enlargement of the Bible Songs. This little
book has proved to be a help, and greatly improved the singing of our
Sabbath Schools. It will continue to do so even as it is, but there
would be even greater advantage and improvement by adding to the se-
lections made, with music adapted; therefore.
Resolved, That the Board of Publication be and hereby are instructed
to take charge of this work at once, with instructions as follows, viz.:
To revise the book now in use, add to the selections at least as many
92 iJir, KST ov riiK acts or the assembly.
more, with suitable music, publish the new music in the quarterlies
from time to time so far as possible, and take time to so perform the
work that there may not be any occasion for another work of this kind
for many years to come. Vol. VI, p. 070, 1887.
3. One Version of each Psalm to be used in Bible Songs. — 4.
That as the General Assembly directed the Board to " Revise and en-
large the Bible Songs," we recommend that at least one version of each
Psalm be selected, and that such portions thereof as may be most ap-
propriate for ordinary use be set to music, taking into consideration the
needs of the young people's work, and that the publication be hastened
as much as possible. A'ol. VII, j). 224. 1889.
4. Bible Songs to be adapted to the Young People's
Work. — Jiesolred, 4. That we recommend that such portions thereof [of
each version] as may be most appropriate for ordinary use be set to
music, taking into consideration tiie needs of the young people's work.
Vol. VII, p. 224, 1889.
[The Committee completed its work in the early part of 1890, and
the Assembly adopted the following:]
Resolved, 2. That tiie work of the committee appointed to revise the
Bible Songs be heartily approved, and the thanks of the Assembly be
and are hereby tendered to that committee for its arduous and praise-
worthy work. Vol. VII, p. 433, 1890.
5. Denominational Imprint on Bible Songs. — [See, also,
Psalter, The.] Resolved, 4. That we approve of the work of the Board
in publishing its imprint on the Bible Songs and Psalters.
7. That the Board be directed to arrange as soon as possible for the
publication of a special edition of Bible Songs without any denomina-
tional imprint, aud at the same prices as cliarged for regular editions.
Vol. VII, p. 433, 1890.
XI. BOARDS OF THE CHURCH.
1. General Constitution of the Boards of the Church. —
[General rules, touching tiie matters intrusted to the care of the Boards,
were adopted, A'ol. 1, p. 49, 1859, but they were superseded by constitu-
tions and regulations after A'ards adopted. The constitutions and regu-
lations of the several Boards will be found under the names of the
Boards. The General Constitution is as follows:]
1. The several Boards now in existence, or that may be established
hereafter, shall each be composed of nine members, one-third of whom
shall be elected annually, by the General Assembly, for a term of three
years. A majority of members of any Board shall be a quorum. Va-
cancies occurring between meetings of the Assembly may be filled tem-
porarily by the Board in which they occur. [See Amendments to the
General Constitution, Sec. 2, below.]
2. There shall be, for each Board, a corresponding secretary, elected
by the General Assembly for a term of four years, who shall be ex-
officio a member of the Board, and shall receive a salary, the amount of
which shall be fixed by the Assembly. Tiie corresponding secreta'-ies
of the Boards shall have the right to speak in the Assembly on all
questions relating to the Boards with which they are severally connected.
liOARDS OF THE CllUltCII. 93
Vacancies occurring in this office, between nieetinjrs of tlie General As-
sembly, may be temporarily filled by the respective Boards in which
they occur.
3. The several Boards shall elect, annually, all other necessary
officers, and shall require sucli security of their treasurers as may, in
each case, be judged necessary. They shall meet at least quarterly,
and shall have power to make all proper and necessary By-Laws.
4. Tlie Boards shall be responsible and amenable to the General
Assembly for the exercise of all powers intrusted to them.
i). Each Board shall be incorporated under the laws of the State in
which it may be located, and shall receive and hold all property, leo'a-
cies and funds in the corporate name. Until a legal incorporation is
obtained, all property, legacies and funds belonging to any Board, shall
be taken and held in the name of '■ The Trustees of the General As-
sembly of the United Presbyterian Ciiurch of North America," in trust,
for the use and benefit of the Board, but shall be legally transferred to
the Board when incorporated.
6. Each Board shall make an annual leport to the General Assembly,
stating fully its proceedings, condition and needs, and shall submit for
consideration and approval, sucli plans and measures as may be in con-
templation, and make such recommendations as shall be' judged ad-
vantageous to the cause intrusted to its care. The Boards sh'all also
submit a statement of their work, needs and plans to the several Synods,
at their annual meetings.
7. The treasurers of the different Boards shall keep accounts in
proper form, of all moneys, whether for the general work, or special
funds, and shall, through the Board, report annually, to the General
Assembly, the exact condition of the several funds, giving a detailed
and classified statement of all receipts and disbursements, winch shall be
published in the minutes of the General Assembly. It shall be the duty
of each Board to audit its treasurer's accounts at" the close of each year.
8. Each Board shall pubiish monthly or quarterly statements of its
condition and work, and no Board shalfappoint or employ any soliciting
agent, without the direct authority of the Assembly.
9. liie General Constitution, or the particular Constitution of any
Board, may be altered or amended by a majority of all the commission-
ers to any General Assembly, provided the motion for such chanjre shall
be made at least one day before action is taken. Vol. IV, ]>. 22", 1874.
2. Amendments tothe General Constitution of the Boards.—
Resolved, That Article 2 of the Constitution of the Boards be amended
by the addition of the following clause, viz.: "Vacancies occurring in
this office, between meetings of the General Assembly, may be tempo-
rarily filled by the respective Boards in which they occur." " Vol. IV, n.
454,1877. ^
Resolved, 2. That the General Constitution of the Boards of the
Church be amended so as to read : " 1. The several Boards now in ex-
istence shall each be composed of not less than nine members." Vol.
V, p. 722, 1883.
3. Consolidation of the Boards of Home Missions, Church Ex-
tension, and Freedmen's Missions.— [The Eirst Presbytery of Ohio
memorialized the General Assembly, A'ol. IV, p. 63G, 1878, for the
94 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
consolidation of the Boards of Home Missions, Church Extension and
Freedmen's Missions. * * Tlie followinoj action was taken :]
Resolved, That the memorial of the First Presbytery of Ohio be pub-
lished, and that the several Presbyteries report tlieir views on this sub-
ject to the next Assembly for final action. Vol. IV, p. 570, 1878.
[The vote on this overture is as follows : ayes, 97 ; nays, 543 ; not
voting, 36. The General Assembly adopted the following :]
Resolved, That these Boards be not consolidated. Vol. V, p. 23,
1879.
4. One Secretary for the Boards of Home Missions, Church
Extension, and Freedmen's Missions.— The Synod of New York
asks this Assembly to consider the propriety of appointing one Corre-
sponding Secretary, and to give his entire time to the interests of the
following Boards : Home Missions, Church Extension, and Freedmen's
Missions. This request is founded on the grounds of economy and
efficiency. * * *
Resolved, That it is inexpedient at present to make any change in the
operations of these Boards. Vol. VI, p. 39, 1884.
5. Conference on the Boards of the Church. — Resolved, That
the first and second business evenings of the Assembly be spent in a
conference upon the Boards, and that each Board be directed to appoint
one of its members to represent it in the exercises of the meeting. Vol.
III, p. 31, 1869.
Resolved, That the resolution adopted by the General Assembly of
1869, setting apart the first and second business evenings of the As-
sembly for a conference on the Boards, be and is hereby repealed. Vol.
IV, p'. 449, 1877.
6. Reports of the Boards to be Printed for the Use of the
Assembly. — Resolved, That the diflf'erent Boards of the church and the
Trustees of the General Assembly shall have their reports printed in
uniform style, so that they may be filed and ready for use at the first
session of the Assembly. Vol. Ill, p. 535, 1873.
7. No Special Collections for the Boards. — Resolved, 4. That
the recommendation of the Board in regard to special collections be
adopted. It is as follows : " The Board very respectfully asks the As-
sembly not to give orders for special collections for any of the Boards,
but to adopt such regulations as will secure uniformity in making the
appropriations, and systematic effort for the collection in full of all grants
so made." Vol. VII, 19, 1888. ^
8. The Boards to make Itemized Statements of Receipts
and Payments. — Resolved, 7. That the Boards of our church, their
treasurers, and all who have the handling of the moneys of the church,
be and they hereby are directed hereafter to conform to the established
rules of the Assembly, which require them to make annual reports, with
itemized statements therein, of all their receipts and disbursements of
money during the year, and that said reports shall be audited by at least
two of the members of each Board before they are presentable to the
General Assembly, and we recommend that said itemized reports be
published for the information and encouragement of the church. Vol.
V, 199, 1880.
Resolved, That the several Boards be recommended to report the
BOOKS OF GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE. 95
names of the congregations, Sabbath Schools and other contributors,
and that they adopt a uniform plan for doing this. Vol. VI, p. 37, 1884.
9. The Reports of Treasurers to be Audited. — Resolved, 7.
That said reports (of Treasurers) be audited by at least two members of
each Board before they are presentable to the General Assembly. Vol.
V, p. 199, 1880.
10. Corresponding- Secretaries of the Boards. — See Corres-
ponding Secretaries.
11. Treasurers of the Boards. — See Treasurers.
12. Monthly Statements of the Boards. — [A memorial, asking
that tlie Boards employ printed circulars for monthly statements, was
disposed of as toilows :]
Resolved, That no action in tiie direction indicated in the memorial
appears to be practicable at present. Vol. IV, p. 447, 1877.
Resolved, 2. That the Boards be directed to issue, in some form, a
statement of some of the most important facts touching their respective
work and needs, appealing to the liberality of the people, and in such
numbers as to supply, through Pastors and Sessions, all the homes in
the Church at least once every quarter. Vol. VII, p. 233, 1889.
13. The Boards and Principles of the Church. — Resolved, That
while this Assembly urges upon our members and congregations the
gi'eat importance of faitlifully maintaining the principles of our Church,
the agencies to which the distribution of funds belong must act on the
presumption that Presbyteries will recommend for aid only those con-
gregations which are faithful to their profession, and active in their
efforts to advance the interests of Christ's Kingdom. Vol. VII, p. 222,
1889.
14. Corresponding- Secretaries to Visit the Synods, &c. — Re-
solved, That the Boards of Home Missions, and Church Extension, and
Foreign Missions be authorized to send their Secretaries to any Synod,
Presbytery, or congregation of the Church, when in their judgment the
interests committed to these Boards may require such visits, and that
they report the same to the Assembly. Vol. V, p. 36, 1879. [Similar
action was taken by several Assemblies with reference to the Mission
Boards.]
lo. Duties of Pastors and Sessions. — Resolved, 3. Pastors and
Sessions are directed to instruct the people as to the importance and
needs of these different departments of the work. This instruction
should be by public discourse, and, as far as possible, by the introduction
of the literature of the Cliurch into all the homes. Vol. VII, p. 233,
1889.
XII. BOOK OF GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE.
1. Temporary Arrangement for the Government of the
Church. — Resolved, That it be left to the discretion of each Presbytery
to ado[)t for its use, either the Associate or Associate Reformed Book of
Discipline until one shall be prepared by the United Churcii. Vol. I,
p. 38, 1859.
2. Preparation of a Book of Government and Discipline. —
Resolved, That this Assembly appoint a committee to prepare a draft of
96 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
a Book of Discipline, and present il to the next annual meeting of the
General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church. Vol. I, p. 30,
1859.
[This committee presented a draft of a Book of Discipline, when the
following action was taken :]
Resolved, That the Book of Discipline, submitted by the committee
appointed by the last Assembly, be overtured to the Presbyteries for
their consideration, and that they be instructed to report their judgment
thereon to the next General Assembly. Vol. I, p. 121, 1860.
[The Presbyteries reported tlieir judgment, when the following action
was taken :]
Resolved, That the Book of Discipline, with all the reports of the
Presbyteries thereon, and any amendments of Presbyteries, or of indi-
viduals, which may be sent in to them, up to the first of November next,
be committed to a select committee, wlio shall mature and publish the
work that is hereby sent down to the Presbyteries in overture, and that
thev re])ort on the book, av or no, to the next Assembly. Vol. I, p. 225,
1861.
[Only twenty-six Presbyteries rej)orted on the Book of Discipline.
Of this number, sixteen reported favorably. The following action was
taken :]
Resolved, 1. That the Assembly proceed to consider and pass on the
amendments proposed.
2. That the Book of Discipline as thus amended be printed and pub-
lislied as early as November 1st, 1862, and overtured to Presbyteries
and Sessions, with direction to vote ay or nay, and report to the next
General Assembly.
3. That in the meanwhile Presbyteries and Sessions be recommended
to conduct their business in conformity with its regulations. Vol. I, p.
350, 1862.
[Tlie vote of the Presbyteries on the adoption of the Book of Govern-
ment and Discipline was, ayes, 379; nays, 80; not voting, 19. But
inasmuch as the Book was not published in time to afford opportunity
for a thorough consideration of it by Presbyteries and Sessions, the fol-
lowing action was taken :]
Resolved, 1. That the Assembly refer the Book to a committee for
revision and improvement, and that it be considered as authoritative
until the revised Book is adopted.
2. That this committee be instructed to receive suggestions from
Presbyteries and individuals until the first of November, and that then
the committee meet and devote as much time to the work as may be
necessary to complete it, and that the Presbyteries be instructed to sup-
ply the pulpits of so many of them as may be pastors, while they are en-
gaged in tliis work.
3. That when completed, the Book be published immediately by the
Board of Publication, and sent up to the next Assembly for consider-
ation. Vol. I, p. 491, 1863.
[This committee not having completed the revision, the following
action was taken :]
Resolved, 1. Tliat the work of revision be continued, and that it be
intrusted to a committee composed of members who can conveniently
meet and give it the proper attention.
BRUSSELS TREATY. 97
2. That it be left discretionary with the committee to what extent
the revision shall be carried. Vol. II, p. 22, 1864.
10^?'''^''*'°''"'"''*' reported to the next Assembly, Vol. II, n ir,.S
l»bo, when the following action was taken :]
thfTil'^^l- ^' J'^f 'Y'nOmmme^ be directed to publish, without delay,
the draft ot a Book of Government and Discipline submitted by them
frnlpd ^'?r' .^'^^r; ^;r'T^ '^''"' "'^^ ^^P^"-^^ «^ publication be de.
trayed by the sale of the Hook.
2. That the Book be and hereby is overtured to the Presbyteries
with instructions to vote yea or nay on its adoption; also, to su-est'
Gt^Z'l \1 '"" '^''{ r^ '^"'"^ necessary, and report to the^n'ex.
(.general Assembly. A ol. II, p. 158, 1865.
voting, 6. ri.e following hnal action was taken •"]
Resolved, That the Book of Government and Discipline now in over-
ture before the church be, and the same is hereby adopted, and is to be
regarded from and after this date as tiie organic law of the United
Presbyterian Church of North America. Vol! II, p 301 , 1866
[For Book of Government and Discipline, see Di^^est n 17 1
^ 1 V x! ^^''P^'''' ^' ^^^^'^" '^'^'''^t ^la^se^ "These trial exercises
shall be heard at the time of licensure," was overtured to the PiX-
.T.''' r ;• '' '">? «t^'«ken out by the following vote : ayes, 549 ; nays,
52; not voting, 21. \ ol. Ill, p, 150, 1870.1 ' /'
[The amending of Article III, Chapter XII, -On Appeals," was
indefinitely postponed. Vol. Ill, p. 287, 1871 J VI ^.
n. '-.'^y'r Jl:^,"«^^''"^^overture was submitted to the Presbyteries rl Shall
part II, Chapter V, Section 2 of the Book of Government and Discipline
be changed so that it shall read, -In ordinary cases, no student of
our '"^f'^ ?' ^^i'"'"!^ '^. '""^^ ^"^ ^■^^"^•^ ""til >>« h«« completed a
course of theological study of Uco full years after the time of his admis-
sion by the Presbytery, and produce testimonials of good conduct and
proficiency in his studies, and he shall be required To spend a third
session at the Seminary" ? Vol. VII, p. 225, 1889
£" /'"; ""t^T""'? ' r^ ^""'^ ""'^^ '• ^y''^ "^34, nays, 210.] nerefore,
Resolved That the General Assembly does now enact that Part II.
Chapter \ , Section 2, of the Book of Government be so chan-ed that i
shal read as follows: -In ordinary cases no student of theofogy Sia
be admitted to trials for license until he has completed a course of theo-
^gical study of two full years after the time of his admission by tl^
hirsfndfp?' ^"^P™^"^^ testimonials of good conduct and proficiency in
his studies and he shall be required to spend a third session at the
Seminary." Vol. VII, p. 414, 1890.
SeeSyi?ods°Sec^r*"^^^ of Synods Suspended Temporarily.—
XIII. BRUSSELS TREATY.
TWd J ^'^^^'-'-'^l/l'^t '^'^ Assembly petition the President of the
United States to call an extra meeting of the Senate to ratify the Brus-
sels Treaty, the General Assembly]
7
98 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Resolved, TJiat a large and influential committee to act in company
with the representatives of other religions bodies to secure favorable
action in the case, be appointed. Vol. VIJ, p. G31, 1891.
XIV. CENTENNIAL OF THE NATION.
Whereas, This is not only the centennial of our nation, but also, in
a measure, of our church, the original elements of it having been organ-
ized a little over one hundred years ago ; and,
Whereas, Civil governments, as well as ecclesiastical, are the in-
stitutions of God ; and,
Whereas, We recognize the hand of God in planting civil and re-
ligious liberty in our land, in establishing our government, and main
taining it through the first century of its existence ; therefore,
Resolved, 1. That we express our thanks to Almighty God for that
enlightened civilization which the religion of Jesus alone can give,
for his goodness to us as a nation, for our wonderful growth, for our
freedom so firmly and so broadly established, for the advance of educa-
tion and spread of learning, and for his hand so plainly guiding us
through both peace and war dui-ing the first century of our national ex-
istence.
2. That we thankfully declare that ours is a Christian nation, and
that it should support Christian institutions, the Christian Sabbath, the
oath before Almighty God, the Bible in the common schools, and re-
ligious worship in our army and navy.
3. That believing governments should be a terror to evil doers, and a
praise to them that do well ; we deplore the existence in our government,
and under its laws, of great national sins, corruption in high places,
Sabbath desecration, intemperance, polygamy and such like ; and we
pledge ourselves to the work, and call upon all Christian citizens to
join us in the great work of national reformation, so that during the
next century righteousness may be decreed by law, and all sin, as
ashamed, hide its head. Vol. IV, p. 321, 187G.
XV. CHARTERS.
1. Charter of the General Assembly. — See General Assembly.
2. Charters of the Boards. — See the several Boards.
3. Charters of Congregations. — Resolved, l. That the General
Assembly hereby directs Presbyteries in the organization of new churches
to require that the charter of said churches shall contain the following
formula, as a definition of the ecclesiastical relation of said churches to
the General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church of North Amer-
ica : " State (or Commonwealth) of To all to whom these pres-
ents may come, greeting : Know ye, that the persons, whose names are
hereunto subscribed, citizens of the State (or Commonwealth) of ,
having associated themselves together as a church and congregation for
the purpose of worshipping Almighty God, by the name of the ' United
Presbyterian Church of ,' in connection with the General As-
sembly of the United Presbyterian Church of North America."
And that the following clause be inserted in every deed of conveyance
of property:
CHINESE .MISSION. 99
" In trust that said premises sliall be used and kept, maintained and
disposed of as a place of Divine worsiiip, for the use of the ministers
and members of the United Presbyterian Cliurch of North America,
subject to the standards and acts of said church, as from time to time
autliorized and declai-ed by the General Assembly of said church ; and
in case the congregation should cease to exist, or to be connected with
and subject to the jurisdiction of the General Assembly of said church,
or shall lose its corporate existence, the property shall enure in all its
holdings to the Trustees of the General Assembly of the United Pres-
byterian Church of North America." [For the amended form of this
declaration of trust, see Church Pi-operty.]
2. It is also earnestly recommended that existing charters be changed
to conform to this formula, and clause in the deed.
5. That Presbyteries are iiereby directed to make an official examin-
ation of tiie charters of the particular churciies under their care, as to
the powers granted the trustees, and especially as to the ecclesiastical
relations of said churches, and report to the next General Assembly the
result of said examination. Vol. Ill, p. 523, 1873.
[For full form of a charter for a congregation as recommended by
the Trustees of the General Assembly, see Vol. IV, p. 47, 1874.]
XVI. CHINESE MISSION.
I. China Mission. — [On memorials from the Synod of Illinois and
from the Presbytery of Frankfort, asking for the consolidation of the
foreign missions of the church, it was]
liesoh'ed, 3. That the Board be directed to dispose of our mission
property in Canton, China, and that the proceeds be expended in the
establishment of a Chinese mission on tlie Pacific coast, and that brother
Nevin be transferred to the new mission. Vol. IV, p. 444, 1877.
Resolved, 9. That the mission to the Chinese at Los Angeles be
transferred from the care of the Board of Foreisn Missions to the Pres-
bytery of San Francisco, subject to the control of the Assembly, so soon
as said Presbytery secure an act of incorporation, and that the Presby-
tery be required to report annually to tlie General Assembly specially
as to this mission.
10. That the money received from the sale of the mission property in
China be invested by the Presbytery of San Francisco, wlien incorpor-
ated, under the direction of the Trustees of the General Assembly, for
the exclusive use and benefit of the mission to the Chinese, no part of
the principal to be used except for needed permanent buildings for the
use of the mission, and that the treasurer of the Presbytery be required
to give bonds to the Trustees of the General Assembly of the United
Presbyterian Church of North America.
II. That Rev. J. C. Nevin be directed to invest the funds arising
from the sale of the China mission buildings in such a way as the Board
of Foreign Missions may direct, until the Presbytery of San Francisco
becomes a corporate body and fully prepared to take charge of said
funds. VoL IV, p. 577, 1878.
[The Presbytery of San Francisco accepted the trust, became incor-
porated, received from Mr. Nevin the sum of $12,510.26, and invested
it, and reported to the Assembly. Vol. V, p. 83, 1879.]
100 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OK THE ASSEMBLY.
2. Name of the Mission Changed. — Resolved, 2. That according
to the request of the Presbytery [ot San Francisco], presented in their
report, the name of this mission be changed from "The Mission to the
Chinese at Los Angeles," to '' The Mission among the Chhiese on the
Pacific coast." Vol. Y, p. 30, 1879.
3. Transferred to the Board of Home Missions. — Resolved, i.
That the Mission to the Ciiinese at Los Angeles be placed as a special
mission under the care of the Board of Home Missions for one year.
Vol. V, p. 3o5, 1881.
6. That the Chinese Mission at Los Angeles, Cal., be continued under
the care of the liourd of Home Missions, in connection with the Synod
of the PaciHc. \o\. V, p. .^Gl. 1882.
4. The Property of the Mission Transferred to the Board of
Home Missions. — [The report of the General Committee of Home
Missions, which was adopted by the Assembly, contains the following:]
3. That the (General Assembly instruct the Board of Foreign Missions
to transfer the Chinese ^Mission property in California to the Board of
Home Missions. Vol. V, p. 7('i7, 1883.
5. The Mission made a Special Mission. — Resolved, [by the
General Committee of Home Missions, and adopted by the Assembly,]
That the Chinese IMission at Los Angeles, Cal., be constituted a special
mission and placed under the care of the Board, without definite
limitation. Vol. VL p. 68. 1884.
6. The Mission Discontinued. — Resolved, [by the General Com-
mittee of Home Missions and a<lopted })y the Assembly,]
1. That the granting of aid from the Home Mission Fund be dis-
continued after September 30, 1890.
3. That the Board be directed to keep invested the principal of the
Chinese Mission Fund (Si 2,500) and to pay the net annual proceeds to
the Rev. J. C. Nevin until otherwise ordered.
4. That the Rev. J. C. Nevin be recommended to continue his work
for the Chinese, in connection with some other employment, if he so de-
sires, under such arrangements as may be approved by the Presbytery
and the Board. Vol. VIL p. 4(30, 1890.
Resolved, G. That the action of the last Assembly, terminating the
grant to the Chinese Mission, discontinued the mission itself and re-
lieved Rev. J. C. Nevin from responsibility to the Board of Home
Missions and the General Assembly for the work ; and resolutions 3 and
4, page 460 of minutes of 1890, are hereby so modified as to make the
payment of the proceeds of the Chinese Mission fund simply an annuity
to Brother Nevin in i-ecognition of his service to the Church in this
mission. Vol. VII, p. 635, 1891.
XVII. CHRISTIAN COMMISSION.
Resolved, 1. That the Assembly express its grateful recognition of
the Divine agency in raising up the United States Christian Commis-
sion, and in directing their operations.
2. That this Commission be recommended to the sympathy and co-
operation of all the congregations under the care of this General Assem-
bly, and that all be invited to aid this association in the prosecution of
ts beneficent work. Vol. I, p. 476, 1863.
CHRISTIAN GIVING. 101
Resolved, That the General Assembly having heard with deep interest
the statements of George H. Stuart, Esq., respecting the operations and
purposes of the United States Christian Commission, hereby express
devout thanksgiving to God for what has been accomplished by this as-
sociation, in furnishing tlie soldiers of our army, and the marines and
sailors of our navy, with the means of relief to their bodies and of sal-
vation to their souls, and earnestly commend it to the continued confi-
dence, the sympathy, the liberal contributions, and the fervent prayers
of our people, in this hour of tlie j)ressing need of our noble armv and
navy. Vol. II, p. 10, 18G4.
Hesolved, 1. That we owe the highest gratitude to God for tlie great
benefits tliat have been conferred upon our sutiering soldiers, upon
the church and the land, 'oy his blessing upon the labors of the United
States Christian Commission.
2. That we gratefully commend the labors of our ministers and the
liberality of our people in the hearty co-operation with this society, and
we earnestly recommend them to continue their labors of love so long as
the condition of our armv shall furnish them opportunitv. Vol. II, p.
165, 1865.
XVIII. CHRISTIAN GIVING.
1. Christian Giving- a Part of Worship.— i?eso/ret?, 2. That * *
pastors be atfectionately urged to impress upon their people the im-
portance and necessity of every one complying with the direction of the
Apostle, 1 Cor., xvi. 2, '' to lay by him in store, on the first day of the
week, as the Lord hath prospered him," as a part of the worship of the
Sabbath. Vol. V, p. 33, 1879.
2. Giving Should be Proportionate. — Resolved, l. That the Gen-
eral Assembly most earnestly and affectionately urge on all pastors and
elders to carefully and conscientiously consider the suggestions made by
the Permanent Committee on Ways and Means, and on all members a
hearty co-operation with them in devising some plan for proportionate
giving, as the most efficient method of carrving on the work. Vol. VII,
p. 410, 1890.
3. One-tenth should be Given. — Resolved, l, That in the judg-
ment of this Assembly, Christians ought not in their contributions for
benevolent and religious purposes, to fall below one-tent)i of their
5'early income. Vol. V, ]i. 33, 1879.
4. Weekly Contributions Recommended. — Resolved, 3. That
each congregation be recommended to take collections weekly, where it
is practicable, and if not weeklv, at stated times, and as frequently as
possible. Vol. II, p. 18, 1864.'
Your committee lias had presented to them by the Presbytery of
Princeton, the Bellefonte system of gospel support and church extension,
and would commend it to the favorable consideration of the church.
Vol. Ill, p. 416, 1872.
Resolved, 5. That we recommend Presbyteries to urge upon our con-
gregations the adoption of the " envelope," or " Bellefonte system," for
taking contributions for the support of the gospel and the Boards of the
Church. Vol. IV, p. 171, 1875.
7. That we recommend, with increased confidence, the adoption and
102 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
use, in all our congregations, of the voluntary weekly plan for making
contributions tor the support of the gos}ieI, at home and abroad. VoL
IV, p. 307, 187G.
3. That where found ])racticable, tiie weekly Sabbath offerings by
the envelope svstem be earnestly recommended to all our congregations.
Vol. V, p. 19U, 1880.
2. That * * * we lay special stress on the weekly system of giving.
Vol. VII, p. 410, 1890.
1. That in every case where it is at all practicable, the contributions
for the Boards of the Church be- taken weekly. Vol. VII, p. 641,
1891.
See Sec. 1, above.
5. Thank-offerings Should be Made.— 7?oo/r«Z, 4. That pastors
and sessions * * encourage them [their people] to present "thank-
offerings" to the Lord frequently for his gracious benefits. Vol. VII,
p. 641, 1891.
Resolved, 5. That we would certainly encourage "free-will" or
"thank-offerings" on the part of congregations in addition to the
making up of the "general average." Vol. VII, p. 644, 1891.
6. Contributions in Proportion to the Appropriations of the
General Assembly. — Resolved, l. Tiie Assembly having passed judg-
ment as to tlie relative needs of the various departments of the Church
work, Pastors and Sessions are urged to secure, as far as possible, an
apportionment of the contributions of their respective congregations in
proportion to the appropriations designated by the Assembly. Vol.
VII, p. 233, 1889.
7. Special Contributions. — Resolved, 4. That the Assembly has
heard with interest the special work tliat has been undertaken, by con-
gregations and individuals, to send out and support new missionaries.
Vol. VII, p. 219, 1889.
4. That pastors and sessions be urged to educate the people up to a
confidence in the Boards of the Church; tliat they be expected not to
contribute to special mission work, until they have contributed their full
proportion to the support of the regular work of the Church; and that
they encourage them to present "thank-offerings" to the Lord fre-
quently for his gracious benefits.
4. We consider that the responsibility of our congregations and
people, for support of our Boards, is precedent to duty in the direction
of special missions; and that, as the rule, they should first discharge in
full measure their duty to the Boards, and then, if the Lord has so pros-
pered them that they are able to give more, their help in special lines
will be properly in ordei-. Vol. VII, pp. 641, 644, 1891.
8. Doubtful Means to be A.VOi&Qdi.— Resolved, 3. That this
Assembly would express it as their judgment that there should be a
careful avoidance of all indirect and questionable means of raising
money for tlie Lord's cause. Vol. V, p. 33, 1879.
9. Information for the People. — Resolved, 3 [by the General
Committee of Home Missions and adopted by the Assembly], That
since more widely extended information among the members concerning
the condition and wants of the church's work, and a fuller presentation
of the Scripture truth concerning the duty of supporting this work with
Christ's second coming. 103
their offerings, would no doubt largely increase the liberality of our
people; therefore, we would respectfully recommend that the Board of
Publication be instructed to adopt such measures as may be practicable
to supply tlie homes of our people witli this means of growth in tiie
grace of Christian giving. Vol. V, p. 223, 1880.
5. That in view of the fact that our Home Mission work is extend-
ing, and increased means are needed for carrying it on, we request the
General Assembly to instruct tiie Board of Publication to publish a tract
on the subject of giving, and arrange for its gratuitous distribution, en-
deavoring to have a copy placed in tlie hands of every member of tlie
Church. ° Vol. VI, p. 711, 1887.
10. Duty of Pastors and Sessions. — Resolved, 2. That all our de-
linquent .Sessions and congregations be recommended to adoj)! some
measures by wliich tlie people shall have opportunity to contribute at
stated periods to the res])ective funds of the Church. Vol. V, p. 199,
1880.
Resolved, 2. That ministers and Sessions be specially urged to keep
the people under their care well informed as to the needs and progress
of the Church's work, botli by the circulation of literature, and holding
conferences tlier^-on.
4. That Pastors and Sessions be urged to educate their people up to
confidence in the Boards of the Church; that they be expected not to
contribute to special mission work until they have contributed their full
proportion to the support of the regular work of the Cliurch; and that
they encourage them to present •' tiiank-offerings " to the Lord frequently
for his gracious benefits. Vol. VII, G41, 1891.
11. Payment of Salaries. — Resolved, 4. That congregations be
recommended to adopt the system of paying their pastors' salaries and
their (juotas to the Boards monthly, if possible, but not less than (juar-
terly. Vol. V, |). 199, 1880.
12. A Monthly Paper on Christian Giving.— See Assembly
Monthly.
13. A Permanent Committee on Christian Giving. — The Gen-
eral Assembly appointed a Permanent Committee on Ways and Means
to devise and execute proper measures for raising the money necessary
■for the support of the general work of the Church. Vol. VII, p. 33,
1888. This committee reported, that Christian Giving had been
brought before many Presbyteries, and that a large number of the
pastors and elders are laboring earnestly to bring this subject properly
before their people. Vol. A^II, p. 495, 1890.
XIX. CHRIST'S SECOND COMING.
On this subject tlie memorialist assumes that the United Presbyterian
Church practically accepts the theory of the post-millennial coming of
Christ, and of the purely spiritual nature of his millennial kingdom, and
asks in view of the importance of the subject, that the Assembly shall
give a statement of the ground of the theory which he attributes to the
church. Also, he states that a refusal on the part of the Assembly to
state the ground of tlie theory, will be accepted by him as an acknow-
ledgement, on the part of the church, that tliere is no ground for such a
)(<4 1>IGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
tlicorv. In reply to the memorialist, your committee present the fol-
i<»\ving :
1. It may be true, that practically the mass of the members of United
Presbyterian Church accept the theory that Ciirist's coming will be
post-millennial, and that his millennial kingdom will be purely spiritual,
but the church has never officially declared this to be her faith. To
make any theorv on this question an article of the faith of the church,
would necessitate the adoption of a system of interpretation, and a parti-
cular application of prophecy to that theory, which must not only be en-
forced by the teacliing, but also by the discipline of the church — things
utterly impracticable.
2. A refusal by the church, therefore, to adopt a theory respecting
the time of Christ's second coming, and the particular nature of his
millennial kingdom, and to give the ground of such theory, does not
warrant the conclusion that the church thus acknowledges that there is
no irround for that theory.
We recommend for adoption the following:
Hesolved, That the prayer of the memorialist be not granted. Vol.
IV, p. 446. 1877.
XX. CHURCH extension, board of.
1. Charter of the Board of Church Extension— [Granted by
the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny county, in the Common-
wealth of Pennsylvania, March G, 1871 ; recorded in the office for the
recording of deeds in said county, in Charter Book No. 3, page 30G,
March 10, 1871 ; and accepted and approved by the Assembly, Vol. Ill,
p. 277, 1871.]
Article I. Be it remembered that Rev. Robert Gracey, D. D.,
George McCague, John Dean, Rev. R. B. Ewing, Rev. Thomas II.
Hanna, Samuel Dyer, Rev. John S. Sands, Rev. J. W. "Witherspoon,
and AVilliam Reed, and their successors, elected and appointed as here-
inafter directed, being citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
are herebv associated under the name and title of "The Board of
Church Extension of the Uniteil Presbytertian Church of North
America;" and by the said name and title shall have succession and be'
able and cajiable in law to sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded in
any court or courts, and in all causes and matters whatsoever; to make
and use a common seal, and to alter or renew tlie same at pleasure ; to
purchase, receive, acquire, hold, use and dispose of for the purpose and
objects herein named, lands, tenements, rents, annuities, franchises,
moneys, goods, chattels and hereditaments; to make rules, by-laws and
ordinances, not repugnant to the constitution and laws of the United
States, to the constitution ami laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsyl-
vania, or to this instrument.
Article II. The object of said association siiall be to promote the
extension of the I'nited" Presbyterian Church of North America by the
purchase and accjuisition of real estate and the erection of church edi-
fices, and by other lawful and ai)propriate means.
Article" III. Th^e officers of the association shall be a president,
vice-president, secretary and treasurer, and such other oHicers and
BOARD OF CIIUUCH EXTENSION. 105
agents as may from time to time be apjjointed. Tlie tfeasurer shall
give bond to the corporation in such form, for such sum and with such
sureties as may be determined and approved by u majority of the cor-
porators, conditioned for the faithful discharge of his duties.
Article IX. Tlie association sliall consist of the following ])ersons
and their successors, namely : Rev. Kobert Gracey. D. D., George
McCague and John Dean, who have been elected and appointed mem-
bers of said Board to serve until their successors shall be elected in the
year 1871, as provided in Article YI, of this instrument ; Rev. R. B.
Evving, Rev. Thomas H. Hanna, and Samuel Dyer, who have been
appointed to serve until their successors shall be in like manner elected
in the year 1872, and Rev. John S. Sands, Rev. J. W. Witlierspoon
and William Reed, who have been appointed to serve until their suc-
cessors shall be elected in the year 1873, and the corresponding secre-
tary of [n c, appointed by] " tlie General Assembly of the United
Presbyterian Church of North America," (now being Rev. A. G. Wal-
lace,) and his successor in office shall be ex-ojficio, a member of said
Board ; and six of said members or their successors in office, shall con-
stitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the said Board shall
in its By-Laws determine the times and places of holding meetings, and
the manner of giving notice of all meetings not appointed by adjourn-
ment. Said Board shall once in each year exhibit to the General As-
sembly of the United Presljyterian Church of North America, an exact
statement of the accounts, funds and property of the association.
Article A'. Said corporation shall be situated and have its principal
business transacted in the county of All*^gtieny in said commonwealth.
Article VI. The General Assembly of the United Presbyterian
Church of North America sliall, in 1871, and annually thereafter, elect
three persons as members of tliis association to serve for a period of
three years, and in case of a vacancy in the membership of said Board
by reason of deatli. resignation or other cause, the remaining members
of said Board shall elect a person to fill the unexpired term, provided
that such election shall be reported to the next General Assembly.
Article VII. The otHcers and agents of this association shall be
elected or appointed from time to time in the manner, and for such term,
as shall be prescribed in the By-Laws.
2. Constitution of the Board of Church Extension. — [A Con-
stitution for the Board of Cliurcli P^xtension was adopted, Vol. I, p. 48,
18o',(, but it was superseded by the (ieneral Constitution of the Boards,
and the following new Constitution:]
1. This Board shall be styled ''Tlie Board of Church Extension of
the United Presbyterian Church of North America," and shall be
located in the city of Pitt>burgh.
2. The special objects of this Board shall be to aid mission stations
and congregations to obtain suitable houses of worship. It shall have
power to make appropriations of money, either as donations or as loans
for a definite time; to authorize special contributions for particular parts
of its work ; to hold funds and property absolutely, or in trust for con-
gregations ; to institute legal proceedings in behalf of the L'nited Pres-
byterian Church to prevent the alienation of, or to recover, funds and
property for which contiibutions have been made by the Board, or by
106 PIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
the church at hirire, and to do such other things as may be necessary
for the acconn)lisliment of its object. But the appropriations of each
year sliall not exceed the amount autliorized by the General Assembly
for tiiat year, and only such property shall be iield as may be necessary
for the legitimate purposes of tiie Board. Vol. IV, p. 24, 1874.
3. Regulations of the Board of Church Extension. — [Rp^Lila-
tions for the Board of Cliurch Extension were adopted, \'()1. Ill, )). 227,
1871, and published, ^'ol. Ill, p. 311, 1871 ; but tliey were superseded
by the following new regulations :]
1. No ap|)ropriation shall be made except on the application of a
Presbytery for a place under its care.
2. Ordinarily the appropriations for a congregation may not exceed
one-third of the cost of the hous*^, and. may not l)e made for any house
costing over S2(),<)0(). [Amended so as to read :>10,0()(). Vol. VII,
p. 19, 1888.]
3. All appropriations shall be made on the following conditions :
I. The pro|)erty shall be held in fee simple, and lie secured to the
Church according to the rule of the Assembly.
II. A mortgage shall be given for the repayment of the loan, and a
mortgage lor the donation, securing the repayment of the money, with
interest, in case the congregation shall fail, or shall cease to be con-
nected with the United Presbyterian Church, or sliall alienate or en-
cumber the property without tlie consent of the Board. The interest on
loans made witliout interest shall be regarded as a donation, and with
all moneys contributed directly by other congregations or members of
the United Presbyterian Church, shall be included in the mortgage for
a donation.
III. Ordinarily the appropriation shall leave the property free from
debt except to the Board.
IV. The congregation shall not solicit aid outside of its own com-
munity without the consent of the Board.
4. Appropriations not called for within two years shall be consiilered
■withdrawn, and may be renewed only on the application of the Presby-
tery.
5. Application for aid shall be made in the form approved by the As-
sembly. The vote in the Presbytery shall be taken by ballot, and the
ayes and nays sliall be reported with the application.
6. The iSuperintendent of Missions shall be the agent of the Board,
through whom all a[)propriations shall be paid.
7. The appropriation may be paid only when the mortgage or satis-
factory security shall be given by tlie congregation. All expenses in-
volved in obtaining aid shall be borne by tlni congregation. Vol. I\',
p. 24, 1874.
Jie&olced, That the two following regulations be added to those now
in use in the Board, and that the corresponding secretary be instructed
to prepare such blank form^ as will be necessary to carry the tirst one
into effect :
1. Congregations having money borrowed from the loan fund shall
be required to report to the Board annually their rinancial condition.
2. In case loans ai-e not repaid until six months after maturity, the
Board will proceed to collect them, unless it should be made to appear
BOARD OF CHURCH EXTENSION. 107
that such action would work tlie permanent injury of the congregation,
in which case they shall recjuire llie conjiregation to i)ay legal interest
upon the loan until paid. Vol. IV. j). 302, 1870.
4. Aid for Missions beyond Presbyterial Bounds. — Resolved,
10. That when a mission is outside of and distant from any Presbytery,
the Board may grant aid to the same without action by Presbytery,
provided that the sanction of the nearest Presbytery be obtained as soon
as practicable, and the mission placed under its care. A'^ol. VII, p.
641, 1891.
5. Aid not given for Rebuilding in Established Congregations.
— Resolved, 3. That it is not the design of this Board ordinarily to aid
established congregations in enlarging or re-building churches, but to
secure to new and needy congregations a suitable place of worship.
Vol. VI, p. 420, 1886.
6. Selections of Missions to be made with care. — Resolved, 4.
That while weak missions are to be hel[)ed, there is caution to be used
in the selection of those that are to be beneficiaries of the Board. Vol.
VII, p. 431. ISlHl.
7. Rule as to the title of Mission Property. — [The General
Asseniiily jiiiH'iuk'd the tbrm of the trust clause to be inserted in the
deeds for churcii property, [see Churcli Property] and adopted the fol-
lowing:]
Resolved, Tiiat the form for a trust clause in deeds and declarations
of trust, be iidopied as a condition of all ap])ropriations by the Board of
Home Missions and tlie Board of Church Extension. Vol. V, p. 741,
1883.
Resolved, 3, That the Board be instructed to insist upon conform-
ity to the rule of the .Assembly as to the tenure of church property, un-
less the direct claim of the Board be amply sufficient to cover all legal
rights in the same, ^'ol. \', p. 73'J, 1883.
8. Churches for which Aid is Given to be Insured. — Resolved,
2. That the Board be insti-ucted to iv(|uire churches, built by its aid,
to be kept fully insured by their owners for the protection of its claims.
3. That the Board negotiate for the insurance through some reliable
agency at the most favorable rates. Vol. V, p. 34.'), 1881.
9. Securities to be Given by Congregations for Aid Received
through the Board of Church Extension. — Resolved, That congre-
gations in need of assistance to build houses for Divine worship, be di-
rected to apply to the Board of Church Extension, receive from them a
recommendation to the churches, return an account of the amount col-
lected, and give to the Church, through the Board, the necessary bonds,
to applv the funds as the directions ot the Assembly recjuire. Vol. I, p.
149, 18(50.
1 0. The Board to take the Securities for Aid granted by the
Assembly. — Resolved, 7. Tiiat, in cases where aid has been granted to
congregations under the direct autiiority of the Assembly, the Board is
authorized bv this Assembly to take the securities. Vol. VII, p. 213,
1889.
11. Loan Fund of the Board of Church Extension. — Resolved,
That the Board be and hereby is autiiorized to establish a •' Loan Fund,"
to be used only in making loans, and to be refunded at such times
1(»8 DIGEST OK Tin: ACI> Ol" THE ASSEMBLY.
iuid in such a manner as may be agreed upon in each case.
The Board may make special appeals for donations and bequests
to this fund, and shall each year so api)ropriate a part of the contribu-
tions, unless otherwise ordered by the Assembly. Vol. Ill, p. 277,
1871.
Resolved, 3. That the Board l)e instructed to insist upon the recogni-
tion and strict observance of contracts on the part of congregations re-
ceiving aid fiom the Loan Fund, but at the same time to exercise a wise
discretion as to the enforcement of these obligations.
4. That the Loan Fund be maintained at the sum of S.jO.OOO.
5. That hereafter grants from the Loan Fund shall be withouf interest,
unless there be speci;il reasons to the contrary, and upon tlie condition
of repayment of at least one-tenth of the whole amount annually — re-
payment, in ordinary cases, to begin in two years, and interest to be
charged on deferred payments after maturity. Vol. V, p. 182, 1880.
8. That the Board be instructed to make no loans in the future ex-
cept for parsonages, without a unanimous vote of all the members pres-
ent at a regular meeting. \o\. VII, p. G4(). 1891.
12. Security for Loans. — A mortgage shall be given for the re-
payment of tlie loan. Regulation II.
Resolved, 2. That the course pursued by the P.oard in taking individ-
ual notes on small amounts loaned to consrregations, whenever deemed
advisable, be approved. \^^\. V, p. 73'J, 1883.
13. Special Loan Funds.— AV.^oAW. That llie lioard be author-
ized to keep as a distinct loan fund any contribution of $5,000 or
upwards from one ])erson, family or congregation, the donor having the
privilege of determining the name of the fund .'^o created. A^ol. IV, p.
170, 187.").
14. Temporary Loans. — Resolved, That the Board be authorized
to receive temporary loans without interest, in order to meet particular
emergencies which mav arise \o\. I^ , ]>. 170, 187.).
1 j. Contributions to the Board Subject to KTm^x\%y .—Resolved,
That the Board be authorized to accept contril)utions subject to aimuity,
according to the plan proposed in its report. Vol. IV, p. 170, 187.0, viz.:
subject to such annuity and payable in such manner as may be agreed
upon; such contributions to be securely invested, and the annuity never
to exceed the annual interest receivinl. Vol. I^ , p. 210, 1875.
Resolved, H. That tiie Board be instructed to keep the funds subject
to annuity so invested as to produce an income at least equal to the
annuitv. Vol. V, |i. 532, 18iS2.
IG. Special Contributions.— A'eso/tW, 3. That special contribu-
tions received by the Treasui-er, for places for which the Board has
already made grants sufficiently large, shall be regarded by the Board
as included in said grants. ~\'ol. VII, {). 213, 1889.
Resolved, 4. That when special contributions are made by Sabbath-
schools or Young People's Societies — for the erection of churches or
parsonages — such contributions shall be made with the consent and
under the direction of the Board. \o\. VII, p. (540, 1891.
17. Presbyterial Agents of the Board.— i?eso/yetZ, That the
superintendents of missions be constituted corresponding members ot
the Board and its agents. Vol. Ill, p. 277, 1871.
BOARD OF CHURCH EXTENSION. 1011
18. No Special Agents to be Employed by the Board.— AV-
solved. That henceforth tlie whole work of aiding congregations in
building houses of worship shall be under the control of the Board or'
Church Extension; that the Assembly will not authorize special agen-
cies for any part of the work, and disapproves of any congregation ap-
pealing for help independently of the Board. Vol. Ill, ]>. 277, 1871.
19. The Board May Issue and Guarantee Bonds. — liesolved, o.
That when any congregation may desire to fund its indebtedness in a
series of bonds bearing a low rate of interest, so arranged as to distribute
the amounts that may become due from time to time, into such sums as
the congregation may be able to pay, and may thereby also reduce their
interest account, the Board of Church Extension be authorized to allow
the issuing of such bonds, and to guarantee their payment; provided the
congregation will give to the Board of Church Extension ample security
to protect it against any loss. Vol. IV, p. 452, 1877.
20. Presbyterial Supervision in Building Churches. — Resolved,
6. That Presbyteries be directed to look into the financial condition of
every congregation in their bounds proposing to build a house of wor-
ship, to advise, and, so far as they can, to prevent the contracting of
any debt in building, except to the Board of Church Extension, and
that hereafter, in all ordinary cases, it be the rule where indebtedness is
contracted without the knowledge or consent of the Board, no help is to
be granted by the Board. Vol. IV, p. 452, 1877.
21. Presbjrterial Supervision over Extinct Churches. — Re-
solved, 5. That the Presbyteries be directed to guard carefully the
rights and interests of our Church in all buildings and other property
which may have been occupied or held by congregations now discontin-
ued or withdrawn, and to dispose of all such property as soon as prac-
ticable, forwarding the proceeds to the treasurer of the Board. Vol.
IV, p. 580, 1878.
22. The Board to take Measures to Secure and Retain
Church Property. — Resolved, 7. That this Assembly direct the
Board of Church Extension, or the Trustees of the General Assembly,
when the Board of Church Extension is prevented by law from taking
the necessary action, to act promptly in the name of the Church in
all cases where, in their judgment, counsel and financial help are nec-
essary to secure the use of and retain the property to the United Pres-
byterian Church. Vol. VII. p. 413. 1890.
23. The Board Represented in the General Committee of
Home Missions. — Resolved, 8. That the Corresponding Secretary of
the Board of Church Extension, or some representative of that Boanl,
be directed to meet each year with tlie General Committee of Home
Missions. Vol. VII, p. 413, 1890.
24. Consolidation of the Boards of Church Extension,
Home Missions and the Freedmen's Missions. — See " Boards
of the Church," Sec. 3.
25. The Parsonage Fund. — The Associate Reformed Presby-
tery of Allegheny transferred to the Board of Church Extension a
fund which was formed from the bequest of the late Mr. Thomas
Hanna, of Allegheny, Pa. This was designated The Thomas Hanna
Fund, and was made a loan fund for the erection of parsonages. . The
Assembly took the following action :]
110 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Resolved, 1. Tliat the Board be authorized to employ any portion of
the Hanna Fund, whicli, in its judgment, it may deem best, in the erec-
tion of parsonages. Vol. VI, p. 35, 1884.
Resolved, 2. That the Parsonage Fund of tlie Board of Church Ex-
tension be commended to the missionary societies and Sabbath-schools
of the Church, as a s])e(;iul work, having a strong claim on tlieir sym-
pathies, and -worthy of iheir liberal support. Vol. VI, p. 237, 1885.
2G. RegTilatioas of the Parsonage Fund. — [Tiie Board re-
ported the following regulations for the Parsonage Fund: 1. Aid is
given only as a loan on ajiproved security ; 2. Tlie loan always bears
interest, the rate being arranged according to circumstances ; 3. The
loan is repaid in annual instalments, payments over due bearing inter-
est at legal rates; 4. All grants are made subject to tlip rule of the
General Assembly, in regard to title, as in grants made for churches.
The Assembly adopted the following :]
Resolved, 5. Tiiat we approve the new forms and regulations that are
in use for the control of the Board, in the matter of building and main-
taining parsonages. Vol. VII, ji. 431, 1890.
27. The Parsonage Fund Assigned to the Woman's Auxil-
iary Board. — [Tiie Board of Church Extension assigned the Parson-
age Fund to the Women's Auxiliary Board as its special work, under
the following arrangements :]
1. The Board of Church Extension shall receive all appropriations
for parsonages,
2. The Board of Ciiuroh Extension shall transfer as many applica-
tions to the Women's General Missionary Society as the corresponding
secretary of that department shall desire, and the action of said society
upon them shall be final.
3. In loans made by the General Missionary Society, the papers shall
be taken in the name of the Society. All responsibility of the Board of
Church Extension shall end with the transfer of the applications to the
society.
4. The grants made by the society are to be upon the conditions and
under the rules that govern the Board of Church Exttmsion, and ap-
proved by the General Assembly. Vol. VIII, p. 709, 1891.
28. Presbyterial Committees on Church Extension. — Resolved,
5. That the Presbyteries which include the great cities of the country
be authorized and recommended to appoint Standing Committees on
Church Extension, to keep a careful supervision of the erection of
churches and the payment of debts, to secure the co-operation of con-
gregations, and to fully develop the local resources. Vol. V, p. 532,
1882.
29. The Secretary to Visit the Mission Field.— i^esoZuerf, That
the Boards of Home Missions, and Church Extension, and Foreign
Missions, be authorized to send their Secretaries to any Synod, Presby-
tery, or congregation of the church, when in their judgment the inter-
ests committed to these Boards may require such visits, and that they
report the same to the Assembly. Vol. V, p. 36, 1879. [Similar ac-
tion was taken, Vol. VI, ]>. 233, 1885.]
Resolved, 7. That the Corresponding Secretary be authorized to visit
those stations and congregations in which there is special interest, when
CHURCH JiLSic. Ill
in the judgment of the Board it may be deemed necessary, and that his
expenses be paid by the treasurer. Vol. V, p. 739, I880.
Hesolved, 11. That the Corresponding Secretary of the Board be re-
quested to visit that part of the Cliurcli in which its work is carried on,
as frequently as in the judgment of the Board it may be advisable.
Vol. VII, p'. 213, 188U."
Jiesolved, 9. That the action of the Board in sending the Correspond-
ing Secretary into the field, by times, to give his personal attention to
the work, be approved, and that the same policy be continued, as far as
it may be of advantage to the work, and at the same time economize the
funds'of the Church. A'ol. VII, p. G40, 1891.
XXL CHURCH MUSIC.
1. Church Music is under the Control of the Session.— i?e-
solved, 2. That it devolves on Sessions to exercise a controlling super-
vision over this, as over the other parts of public worship.
3. That in the exercise of their official function in supervising this
part of public worship, they be affectionately advised to keep in view
the following objects :
1. Let them aim to secure the use of such music as is grave, sweet
and solemn in its character, suitable to be employed in the praise of God,
and calculated to excite and express the devotional sentiment contained
in the particular psalm used at. the time.
H. Let them also take into consideration the circumstances of their con-
gregations, and aim so to supervise the service as to promote their peace
and edification, and let the people also regard charitably the rights and
wishes of those whose tastes and prejudices and preferences differ from
their own.
III. Let them, in all discreetness, be earnest and unwearied in their
efforts to foster the development of a musical taste and talent among
their people, so that this part of public worship may become, continually,
more and more pleasant and profitable to themselves, and more and
more commend the inspired {)salter to the whole body of the faithful.
Vol. 11, p. 33, 18G4. [See also the Directory for Worship, Chap. II,
Art. II, Sec. 4.]
2. The Use of Repeating Tunes. Resolved, That while your
committee think there is sometimes much bad taste in the use of such
tunes, yet they do not feel prepared to say that their use is, in itself, un-
scriptural and wrong. Vol. II, p. 33, 1864.
3. That this committee [on Psalms with Music,] be instructed to
avoid such frequent repetitions and responses as are not clearly suggested
by the language of the Psalms. Vol. V, p. 16, 1879.
3. Chanting. — Resolved, 1. That our people be recommended to
familiarize themselves with the art of chanting.
2. That the chanting of the psalms in the prose version be permitted
in the worship of God, where the peace and harmony of the church are
not thereby disturbed. Vol. II, p. 35, 1864.
Resolved, That a committee, consisting of three persons, be appointed
by this Assembly, to inquire into the practicability, the advantages and
disadvantages of chanting, and, if deemed advisable, to prepare a collec-
112 DIGEST OK THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
tion of psalms arranged for the use of our Sabbath Schools and congre-
gations, and report to next the General Assembly. Vol. Ill, p. 279,
1871. [This committee presented a report, which was laid on the
table. Vol. Ill, p. 378, 1872.]
Resolved, 2. That a limited number of chants and antliems be inserted
[in the psalter] as an api^endix. Vol. I\', p. i)\)i), 1878.
4. Instrumental Church Music. — The Committee on Bills and
Overtures presented, and tlie Assembly adopted, the following resolu-
tion in regard to the memorial from the Presbytery of Philadelphia on
instrumental music in the worship of (iod : Resolved, That the petition
of the memorialists be not granted. Vol* II, p. 309, 1866.
Resolved, Tiiat the conduct of the Session of the First United Pres-
byterian Chuich. Cincinnati, in refusing to grant permission to the
teachers in their Sabbatli-school to introduce a melodeon, be approved.
Vol. II, p. 39o, 1867.
Resolved, That the article on instrumental music in the present Di-
rectory for Worshi]) is hereby made a special overture, and Presbyteries
are directed to vote aye or nay upon it, and report the ayes and nays to
the next General Assembly, ^'ol. II, p. 40.S. 1867.
[The vote on this overture was : for retaining the article, 385 ;
against retaining it, 157 ; when the following action was taken :]
Resolved, That the article on instrumental music now in overture be,
and hereby is, approved and adopteil. Vol. II, p. 498, 1868.
[A memorial from tlie Presbytery of Caledonia on the subject of in-
strumental music was disposed of as follows:]
Resolved, That this Assembly submits to her Presbyteries the follow-
ing overture : " Shall Sec. 5, Art, II, Chap. Ill, of the Directory for
Worship, be repealed ?"
The resolution in this report was lost by a vote of 'S6 ayes to 74 nays,
" a vote of two-thirds of the members of the Assembly present " being
necessary to transmit any subject in overture to the Presbyteries. Vol.
IV, p. 315, 1876.
[Memorials from the Presbyteries of Caledonia and Sidney, asking
for the overturing of the article of the Directory for Worship on instru-
mental music, and remonstrances against the overturing from the Pres-
byteries of First New York and Neosho, were disposed of as follows :]
Resolved, That the prayer of the memorialists be not granted. [Ayes,
110; noes, 51 ; not voting, 4. Vol. IV., p. 443, 1877.]
5. Enforcement of the Law on Instrumental Music. — [A
memorial was presented to tlie Crcneral Assembly stating " that in con-
travention of the provision of our Standards, several congregations
under the jurisdiction of the Assembly have introduced instrumental
music into their public worship or into the worship of their Sabbath-
schools," and asking the Assembly to '* direct the presbyteries, in whose
bounds this palpable disregard of law exists, to take steps to promptly
have the disorder comf)lained of corrected." The General Assembly
adopted the following :]
Resolved, That in the case in (luestion, the jtresbyteries and synods
are competent, and are expected by the Assembly to apply the law.
Vol. v., p. 356, 1881.
6. Repeal of the Law on Instrumental Music— [A memorial
CHURCH MUSIC. 113
■was presented to the Assembly asking that the article of the Directoiv
for Worship on instrumental music be overtured. It was disposed of
as follows:]
It is conceded by those who hold the various phases of belief on tlic
subject of instrumental music in worship, that tliere is a deep and wide
spread dissatisfaction with our present law relating thereto. * * Re-
solved, that the Assembly submits to tlie presbyteries the following
overture: Shall Sec. o. Art. 2, Chapter 3 of the Directory for "Worship
be repealed ? Vol. \ . p. o-36, 1881.
[The votes on the overture were referred to the Committee on \V\\\<
and Overture.>. Tlie repoi-t of the committee was amended and adopted
as follows :]
We find that the whole numl)er of votes cast is 1233. Nine persons
are reported as not voting. Of the votes cast 620^ are in the affirma-
tive^, and 61 2^ in the negative, making a clear majority of 8 in the
affirmative on the (piestion overtured.
We. therefore, recommend the ado[)tion by the Assembly of the fol-
lowing resolutions :
1st. That th^^ overture to repeal the rule in our Directory touching
instrumental music Iras received a clear constitutional majority of the
votes of the Church, and. therefore, has been carried.
2d. That this Assembly hereby ratifies the decision of the presby-
teries, and declares Sec. o, Art. 2, Chap. 3, of the Directory for Wor-
ship, repealed.
3d. That this decision is not to be considered as authorizing instru-
mental music in the worship of God, but simply as a declaration of the
judgment of the Church that there is no sufficient Bible authority for
an absolutely exclusive rule on the subject.
4th. That this Assembly hereby instructs and enjoins the lower
courts to abstain, and have all under their authority abstain, from any
action in this matter that would disturb the peace and harmony of con-
gregations, or unreasonably disregard the conscientious convictions of
members. \o\. V., p. 525, 1882.
[On the first resolution the vote was : Ayes — ministers, 74 ; elders,
51 ; total, 125. Nays — ministers, 43 ; elders, 47 ; total, 90. Vol.
v., p. 519. A protest was entered, as follows ;
The undersigned beg leave to protest against tlie action of the As-
sembly in declaring that the overture to repeal our law on instrumental
music has received in the affirmative a clear majority of the votes of
the whole Church.
This decision we regard as unwise and unjust on at least two
grounds, which, for lack of time, we can do little more than indicate.
1. It proceeds upon a false interpretation of our constitutional law in
regard to overtures. That law provides that before any proposal to
change or modify, whether by addition or subtraction, the doctrine,
worship or government of the Church, can be considered as carried, it
must have received not oidy a majority, but also a clear majority of the
votes of the whole Church. Tiie intention manifestly of this provision
is to guard against any change in respect to doctrine and order which
would not be a fair and unmistakable expression of the judgment of the
Church deliberately reached.
114 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Tlie votes of tlie wliole Cliurch can mean notliiiifr less than the votes of
the Church representative, convened in Presbytery ; and all those who
are present in Presbytery, whether tliey respond •' Aye," " No," or
" Not clear." may be said to vote, that is, to express in brief and
definite form their mind touching the matter voted upon.
Now, according to the report of tiie Committee on Bills and Over-
tures, the vote on the Overture on Instrumental Music stood thus:
Affirmative, 620^; negative, 012-5; not decided, or not clear, 'J.
We contend that the 9 who declared that they were not clear to vote
on either side must be reckoned as unprepared for the act of eliminat-
ing from our standards the law on instrumental music. Tiiey virtually
say that they cannot concur in sucli an act. and must, for the present,
stand still. Hence, they are to be regarded as constructively opposing
repeal. Had ihe proposition voted upon been to insert in our standards
a rule against instrumental music, those nnn-Uquet votes would have
been justly regarded as practically equivalent to negative vot( s.
2. This decision is conflict witli our sense of equity.
It was intimated in the Assembly by more than one member that not
a few non-liquet votes given in the Presbytery had not been reported to
the Assembly ; and when a motion was made lo inquire as to this point
of the Second Clerk, and of any of the clerks of presbyteries present,
the motion was abruptly laid upon the table.
Still further, it was repeatedly affirmed in the Assembly and denied
by no one, that a considerable number, probably not less than twenty,
of the votes given in the presbyteries in favor of repeal, proceeded from
persons who at the time of voting were acting' in violation of our law
against instrumental music.
Now, are such votes to be regarded as valid votes ? Was the As-
sembly powerless to protect the Church against the influence of such ir-
regular votes? And can it in such circumstances be said that a
clear majority of the votes of the whole Church has been given for re-
peal ? Even if the Assembly had hesitated about casting out the votes
referred to as proceeding from violators of the law voted upon, it might
still more have hesitated to declare, as it has done, that a clear major-
ity of the votes of the whole Church had been given for repeal. Would
it not have been wise and equitable to have declared that, for various
reasons, it was not clear that a majority of votes had been given for re-
peal, and that it would be better to have the vote taken again, so that
assurance might be reached in a matter so weiglity ? Vol. V. p. 521,
1882.
The Assembly adopted the following answer to this protest :
The protest is against the action of the Assembly in deciding that the
overture to repeal the law on instrumental music has been carried by a
clear constitutional majority of the votes of the Presbyteries.
The first reason of protest is that the Assembly, in this decision,
acted on " a false interpretation of our constitutional law in regard to
overtures." The error specifically alleged is that the Assembly confined
its count to the yeas and nays reported. The general remarks in the
protest in regard to the intent of the law are not disputed. What we
deny is that it was an error not to count as votes wiiat was, in fact, the
non-voting of persons reported as silent. The constitutional law re-
CHURCH MUSIC. 115
quires simply a return of the votes given in the Presbyteries, and desig-
nates expressly the yeas and nays, as what are to be returned. It
makes no mention of anything else as to be counted or even noted by
the clerks of Presbyteries. The only recognition in any of our laws of
silent members, or non-voters, is in a mere rule of order (66), and there
they are directed to be counted with the majority.
Fui'ther, this Assembly acted, in this matter, under an authoritative
construction of the law adopted by the last Assembly, conclusive and
binding until regularly repealed. That construction is in these words:
*' A vote is something different from not voting. One more than half
the votes cast is evidently a clear majority. The majority voting settles
the matter, without reference to those not voting. They are then
reckoned with the majority, according to rule of order No. 66."
It was under this construction of law by the supreme authority of the
Church that the overture on instrumental music was sent down to the
Presbyteries ; under it the Presbyteries voted, and under it this Assem-
bly was hound to count the returns of the votes ; and so counting, it
could not do otherwise than declare the overture carried by a clear con-
stitutional majority.
But, aside trom all this, the uniform practice of the Church in count-
ing the votes on overtures made a common law on this subject, which
this Assembly was bound to respect. It is the practical interpretation
of the law given by the Church in her whole history of overtures. If,
as is claimed in the protest, the votes of the whole Church can mean
nothing less than the votes of all those who are present in the Presby-
tery, whether they cast their votes or not, then we have had no valid
adoptioii of any overture, not even of our Book of Government or Di-
rectory for Worship, and especially not of the law on instrumental music.
The second general reason of protest is that the decision of the As-
sembly is in conflict with a " sense of equity," in that there was not given
opportunity to make further inquiry for non-voters, and in counting the
votes of alleged violators of the law.
As to the refusal of the Assembly to go into an irregular inquiry for
non-voters other than were reported, it was justified by the uselessness
of the inquiry to the count legally required, and the unnecessary waste
of the time of the Assembly.
As to the votes alleged to have been given by violators of the law, it
is sufficient to say that the Assembly did not have before it any formal
complaints of the kind, and had no power to deprive of the right of vot-
ing persons never judicially condemned or even arraigned.
If the Assembly had been forced to go back of the returns and throw
out all the irregular voting that appears to have been done, the majority
for the overture would in all pi'obability have been far in excess of the
negative vote and all the silent and challenged votes together. Vol. V,
p. 526, 1882.
During the discussion of the second resolution the following amend-
ment was offered :
Whereas, Our Book of Discipline gives power to the General As-
sembly, even when a majority of the Presbyteries may be in favor of
adopting an overture, to declare it inexpedient, under peculiar circum-
stances, to ratify the vote ; and, whereas, in the overture now before the
116 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Assembly, there is difference of opinion in regard to whether there is an
actual majority in its favor; and, whereas, even if a majority be ad-
mitted, it is so meager as to show that a very large proportion of the
Church, amounting at least to one-half, are opposed, and therefore its
moral force as the deed of the Church is Aveakened, if not destroyed ;
and whereas, its adoption under the cinuimstances would be followed by
serious, if not disastrous, consequences to our beloved Church, and thus
such a contingency exists as is contemplated by our Book ; therefore,
Resolved, That in the judgment of this Assembly, it is inexpedient to
ratify this vote. and. therefore, the law of the Church, on the use of
musical instruments in the praise of God, remains unrepealed. Vol.
V, p. 520, 18«2.
The amendment wiis lost by the following vote : Ayes : ministers, 44,
elders, 44; total, bt*. Nays : ministers, till, elders, 46, total 114. A
dissent was entered. V. 523.
The following amendment was offered to the third resolution :
Whereas, There is manifestly a decided difference of judgment in
the minds of the meniliers of the Assembly as to whether the Overture
on Instrumental Music has been carried by a clear majority of the votes
of the whole cliurch, and,
Whereas, Many have voted for the repeal of the existing law on
this subject, because the law is objectionable in the form in which it is
stated ; therefore,
Resolved, That tl^' further consideration of the report of the Com-
mittee be postponed, and the following proposition be sent down in over-
ture to the Presbyteries, namely, instrumental music shall not be
USED IN the worship OF GoD IX ANY OF THE CONGREGATIONS OF
the CHURCH
Resolved, That the Presbyteries be instructed to report to the next
Assembly upon this overture as follows :
1st. The number of members enrolled in the Presbytery at the time
the vote was taken.
2d. The yeas and nays as recorded.
3d. The number of members excused, or not voting.
The vote on this amendment was : Ayes : ministers, 43, elders, 40;
total, 83. Navs : ministers, 65, elders, 42 ; total, 107. Vol. V, pp.
523, 524, 1882.
The third resolution was amended by substituting the word " author-
izing " for '' recommending."
A fourth resolution in the report of the committee, viz : " Resolved,
That while there may be a liberty here, it is a liberty which in
itself and especially in the present state of the Church, should be
stringently regulated and ke[)t from abuse, or any use that would con-
flict with the required simplicity of Christian worship," was, by consent
of the Assembly, withdrawn. Vol. V, p. 525.
A protest against the final action was presented. It was resolved,
that the action of this Assembly, as it explains itself, and the answer to
the protest be considered a sufficient answer to this protest. Vol. V, pp.
530, 531. See p. 114.
[Memorials were presented asking the Assembly to prohibit instru-
mental music in the worship of God. The following action was taken :]
CHURCH MUSIC. 117
The Committee on Bills and Overtures respectfully report on the me-
morials relating to instrumental music referrt^d to it :
These memorials are in different forms and make a variety of requests.
As tlipy will all appear on the records of the Assembly, it is not neces-
sary to cumber this report with a detailed statement of them. The re-
quest made in the one most numerously signed is expressed or implied
in almost all of them that ask for additional action on the subject.
This request is as follows : " The General Assembly is hereby most re-
spectfully asked and earnestly urged to declare explicitly that in none
of the congregations under the care of the Assembly can instrumental
music be lawfully used in worship until the Church sliall have decided
by constitutional enactment that such music in worship is divinely
authorized and prescribed."
The principal reasons affirmed in support of this i-equest, as set forth
in a preceding paragraph of the memorial, are — first, that the last As-
sembly " resolved that tlie enactment of the repeal did not authorize the
use of instruments in the worship of any of our congregations"; and
second, that " the Confession of Faith declares explicitly that nothing
is to be used in the worship of God that is ' not prescribed in the Holy
Scriptures.' "
In regard to the first reason, that drawn from the action of the last
Assembly, there is evidently more assumed than the entire action of the
Assembly justifies. In explaining its action in ratifying what it held
to be the decision of the presbyteries on tlie overture, the Assembly, in
a spirit of conciliation, admitted the words. '• not as authorizing," in
place of those '• not as recommendmg," used in the original form of its
third resolution, but certainly with no such idea as conceding that its
entire action on the subject was null and void. It is hardly necessary
to say that in that sense, or anything like it, the resolution as amended
was not adopted, and could not have been in the last Assembly, with
the sentiment that is known to have prevailed in it. The language in
question must be understood in harmony with tiie declaration in the
resolution itself, " that there is no sufficient Bible authority for an ab-
solutely exclusive rule on the subject," and also in harmony with the
entire action of which that resolution was but a part, in which the pro-
hibitory law was declared to be repealed. The repeal of a law does not
authorize anything except freedom from its restraints. Formally, it
neither commands nor forbids anything. It simply leaves the subject
without the law repealed. Taken, therefore, in its connection and nec-
essary limitations, the language in question cannot l)e understood as of
the effect assumed in this memorial.
In regard to the second reason, that drawn from the declaration in
the Confession of Faith, to the effect that God is to be worshiped in the
way appointed in his Word, it may be said that the question is not of
the correctness of the principle so enunciated, but of the correctness of
the application that is made of it in this case. To an ordinance of wor-
ship, or anything appointed in it, it is clearly applicable. Baptism and
the Lord's Supper, for example, must be observed by the exclusive
use of the elements appointed for each. But there may be mere inci-
dents of an ordinance or helps to its observance, no part of the ordi-
nance itself, which are not placed under such restrictions. In regard to
118 PIGKST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
the ordinance of praise, no intelligent Christian looks for the ajtjjoint-
ment of the particular tunes to be sung, or the particular means by
which the key-note may be found, or for the use of musical notes as a
help in singing, or the employment of trained singers to lead in the
praise service. Sncli are among tiie things confessedly left to " Chris
tian prudence."
Now, the question is, to which of these classes does the instrumental
accompaniment belong, the essentials or the incidf^ntals of worship?
That is the very core of the question decided in the repeal of our pro-
hibitory law. That law was what may be said to have been our statu-
tory application of the principle cited from the Confession. To repeal
that law, as has been done, was to declare it a misapplication of tlie
principle, or that the thing forbidden by the law was one to which that
general principle did not properly apply: in other words, that there
was nothing in the ordinance of praise or any otiier Bible authority to
justify snch prohibition. That is the recorded judgment of the Church.
While that judgment stands, how can we consistently declare, as asked
in this memorial, that under the principle cited the prohibitory law is
in effect still operative ? And if we did, of what authority or force
would such a declaration be ? The Assembly has no power by mere
resolution to annul a decision by overture, or virtually reinstate a law
so repealed. It may advise a course of conduct deemed expedient in
the circumstances or required in the interest of peace and harmony, but
not on an assumption against which the judgment of the Church has
been formally given.
It is only by overture that a declaration of tiie kind asked for could
be authoritatively given. A request for this mode of settling the ques-
tion is made by one of t'lie memorials from the Presbyteries. While
overture is the legitimate mode, there is room for grave doubts of its
expediency at this time. There is no reason to expect that the result
would be any more satisfactory than the decision given, and there is
much reason to fear the effects of the continued strain that would be
put on the Church. Besides, with our present differing interpretations
of the law of overtures, there can be but little expectation of a satis-
factory result until the law itself is put in a form of which there can be
no misunderstanding.
Is there not a better way out of our present difficulties? Is not
Providence clearly pointing it out ? As the ipiestion that troubles us
now stands, is there anything left for us but forbearance — mutual for-
bearance ? It is a mistake to say that, so far as conscience is involved,
the concession would be all from one side. While on the one side it
is honestly believed that our prohibitory law was necessary to preserve
purity of worshi]), on the otiier it is believed just as honestly that
such a law has no sufficient Bible authority to justify the Church in
making it a term of fellowsliif). They believe as honestly that in the
present state of mind in the Church such a law could not be enforced ;
that, unsustained by the judgment and conscience of a large majority
of the ministry, the officers of the Church whose special work is to
study the Bible and declare its teachings, and who have most to do
■with the administration of the order of the Church, it is vain to ex-
pect for it such an enforcement as every existing law of the Churcli
CHURCH MUSIC. 1 1 'J
should have. Brethren of such convictions have the right to stand
by them without challenge of their iionesty. But while tliev may
claim the repeal of tlie prohibitory law, they should remember that
tliis repeal does not leave a liberty to disregard the comfort of fel-
low-worshipers ; does not leave a liberty to disturb the peace of congre-
gations; does not leave a liberty to violate the bonds of brotherhood or
disregard the forbearance in love required by the law of God. It was
by putting ourselves expressly under tliis law that our union was formed ;
it has been by acting under it, we have been preserved a united and
greatly prospered Church ; and at no time in our history was this for-
bearance more clearly a duty than now. Controversy has exhausted its
power to bring us to unity of conviction. It is vain to expect such
unity from further debate. It would be more likely to increase tlie dis-
traction. In this view of the wliole subject it does not appear that ad-
ditional action upon it in any of the forms named by the memorialists
is needed, or would likely be of good effect. We, therefore, submit for
adoption by the Assembly the following resolutions :
1. That the action of the last Assembly on this subject be reaffirmed
as explained in this report.
2. That its admonitory resolution, advising and enjoining against all
action on this subject offensive to fellow-worshipers or disturbing the
peace of congregations. l)e emphatically reaffirmed and urged with re-
newed earnestness on the attention of the pastors and sessions and peo-
ple of the whole Church.
3. That Drs. Joseph T. Cooper, David A. Wallace and James P.
Lytle be appointed a committee to address a pastoral letter to our people,
setting forth the true state of the question as settled by the Church, and
urging upon them the respect due the authority of the Church and to
each other as Christian brethren. A^ol. Y, p. 727, 1883.
[During the discussion of the above report, an amendment was offered
to the first resolution : That the following question be submitted in
overture to the Presbyteries : Shall instrumental music be considered an
incident in the worship of God? The vote was : Ayes; ministers, 42,
elders, 30; total, 72. Nays: ministers, 7w, elders, 71; total, 148.
Excused, 1. P. 72.5.
A second amendment was offered : That in order to settle existing
difficulties in the Church, and to answer the prayer of the memorialists,
this subject be sent down in overture, in some form, to the Presbyteries.
The vote was: Ayes; ministers, 4o, elders, 30; total, 7.5. Xavs ;
ministers, 74, elders, 71 ; total, 14.5. Excused, 1. P. 726.
A protest was entered against the action of the Assembly :
The undersigned beg leave to enter their protest against the action of
the Assembly in adopting the report of the majority of the Committee
on Bills and Overtures, particularly the first resolution thereof, for the
following reasons :
1. Because the action of the Assembly in re-affirming the action of last
Assembly, instead of being even an attempt to give relief from the
grievances complained of in the prayer of the memorialists and lo heal
the " breaches of Zion," is but a repetition of that action in a more of-
fensive form, and is thus calculated to increase and deepen, rather tha
lo remove the dissatisfaction and disturbance which exist in tli
Ciiurch. * * * *
120 DIGKST OF TlIK ACTS OF TIIK ASSEMBLY.
2. Because in assuming, by tlie action tlms re-atfirmed, to declare
what is the recorded judgment of the Church, as expressed in the vote
of the Presbyteries on the overture, when neitlier in tlie terms of the
overture itself nor in the record of the action of the Presbyteries, as
transmitted to the last Assembly, is any such judgment to be found, the
Assembly has usurped a i)0\ver whicii is subversive of the Constitution
of the Church on the subject of Overtures. * * * *
3. Because the action of tlie Assembly declares that the meaning at-
tached by tiie memorialists to the phrase " not to be considered as au-
tiiorizing the use of instruments in worship," is not tlie correct one,
though it is tlie plain and obvious meaning of the language. The As-
sembly, however, does not explain or tell us what is its true mean-
ing. * * * ::^
4. Because in refusing to overture the subject on instrumental music
in any form, and declaring the question settled, the Assembly has not
oniv gone in tlie face of the facts as evinced by the very presence of
these memorials, but has rejected the only possible, because constitu-
tional, method of reaching a satisfactory settlement of this vexed (jues-
tion. * * * *
And in all this we solemnly protest before God, the Searcher of
hearts, tlfyt we are influenced by no feeling of disres))ect or ill-will to-
ward our brethren, either in this Assembly or throughout the Church,
but only liv sincere love to them, and especially by love to our Lord
Jesus Christ and supreme regard to his glory and to the interests of his
truth and his cause as connected with the purity of his worship.
[It was agreed that the action of the Assembly, as exjdained in the
report of the majority of the Committee on Bills and Overtures, be taken
as an answer to tlie reasons of protest. Vol. V, p. 7o2, 1883.]
7. Interpretation of the Law on Instrumental Music— Mem-
orials were presented to the Assembly asking the Assembly " to declare,
that according to the Standards of our Church, the use of instrumental
music in worship is unlawful." And also others, asking that the action
already taken be declared final. These memorials were referred to the
Committee on Judiciary, and also to the Committee on Bills and Over-
tures. Tlie following is the report of the Committee on Judiciary, which
was adopted :]
And now [after reciting the history of the subject in the Assembly]
the question comes to us, ought we, can we, in view of the past action
of the Church and the present state of the (piestion, declare "that ac-
cording to the standards of the Church, the \m^h of instrumental music
in worship is unlawful?"
In the judgment of your Committee, this d'-claration cannot be made
for the following reasons, viz. :
1. It would " re-establish, in eHect, by a sinijile act of one Assembly,
a law whicii has been overtured and declared to be repealed by the only
Assembly competent to count the vote and declare the result, which is
to destroy the principle on whicii the law of overture is founded, and to
cause the difference between a m^^re act of the Assembly and a law es-
tablished by the votes of the whole Church, to disappear." It would
be an attempt to set aside the decree of the Churcii, enacted through
constitutional forms, in a way unknown to the Constitution for either
making or repealing law !
ciiURcn MUSIC. 121
2. It will be admitted, we trust. \>y all, that the article of the Direc-
tory, which has been declared repealed, was the statute which applied
the principle of the Confession, that " God is not to be worshipped in
any way not appointed in his word," to this subject. And now that
the article has been repealed, and the declaration made by the Church
that this principle of the Confession does not apply to the use of instru-
mental help in praise, there is no such law in our standards, and there
can be none, until it is placed there in the only way the Constitution
has provided, viz : by regular process of overture.
3. The Assembly.should not make the declaration asked, as by so do-
ing there would be an attempt to establish a term of fellowship, to
whicli a large majority of the ministers of the United Presbyterian
Church, and perhaps a majority of her officers and members, could not
consciententiously subscribe. They do not believe that there is Bible
authority for such a law; they do not believe that the standards of the
Church authorize it, and they cannot say, as they then would be re-
quired to say, that all who fail to observe that law, shall be excluded
from the fellowship of the Church. They are willing to say that, in
most cases, it would not be expedient to have any instrumental help in
the praise service of our congregations. They can say, as very many
of them have said, and as the last two General Assemblies have de-
clared, that there should be no action on this subject in any of our con-
gregations, which would be offensive to fellow worshipers, or which
would disturb the peace of congregations. And they do say that there
is no authority to justify the Church in having, and enforcing by its
discipline, a term of fellowship on this subject.
We, therefore, recommend for your adoption the following :
Resolved, That tl e request of the memoralists, asking the Assemblv
to " declare that, according to the standards of our Church, the use of
instrumental music in worship is unlawful," be not granted.
[The vote on the first resolution was: Ayes: ministers, 70, elders, 54;
total 124. Nays : ministers, 43, elders, 34 ; total 77. Excused : min-
ister, 1, elders, o ; total, (l. Absent: ministers, «, elders 32 ; total, 40.
Vol. VI, pp. 24, 26, 1884.
A protest was entered, p. 32. An answer was adopted, p. 42.]
[During the discussion of the report, the following amendment was
moved, but was lost by a vote of 75 to 116. P. 22.
Resolved, That the repeal of the article in the Directory for AVorship
prohibiting the use of instruments in the worship of God, did not have
the force of a positive enactment authorizing their use ; that to secure
such authorization further legislation by overture to the Presbyteries is
required.
The following amendment was offered :
Resolved, That this General Assembly declares that the standards of
our Church authorize the use of instruments in the worship of God.
The vote was : Ayes: minister 1, elder 1 ; total 2. Nays : ministers,
111, elders 90 ; total 201. Excused : elders, 2. Absent :" ministers 10,
elders 28 ; total, 38.]
8. Action final. — [Report of the Committee on Bills and Overtures :]
* * * The Assembly referred so much of the memorial from the
convention in Allegheny as involves an interpretation of law to the
122 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Judiciary Committee. We re;?ard this action as a virtual reference of
such parts of the other memorials as involve an interpretation of law to
that Committtee.
Leaving such parts of the memorials out of view, there remained for
the consideration of your Committee, these three requests :
1. That the Assembly adopt a resolution declaring that, as the Scrip-
tures do not give sufficient evidence of the Divine approval of instru-
mental music in worship, it shall not be authorized or sanctioned in any
of our congregations. 2. That the Assembly send down in overture to
the Presbyteries the question of the lawfulness of instrumental music in
worship. 3. That the Assembly treat the present settlement of the
question of instrumental music in our Church as final.
We cannot see how such action as is asked for in the tirst and second
of these requests would tend to set the vexed question at rest. A de-
claration of the Assembly, virtually enacting a prohibitory law, might
satisfy some, but would dissatify others. An overture on the question
of the lawlessness of instrumental music in worship, while the meaning
of the law of overture is itself a question in dispute, does not seem to us
expedient.
We therefore recommend for adoption the following resolution :
Resolved, That no further action be taken by this Assembly. Vol.
VI, p. 29, 1884.
[A protest was entered, p. 33, and was answered, p. 43. J
[During the discussion the following amendment was offered to the
report given above :
Whereas, the General Assembly of 1882 could do nothing more
than enact the repeal of our law on instrumental music ; and.
Whereas, Nothing can be introduced affecting the worship of God
until it is overtured and adopted ; therefore,
Resolved, That the following be sent down in overture to the Pres-
byteries ; " Shall the use of instrumental music in the worship of God
be lawful in the United Presbyterian Church ?"
The vote was: Ayes: ministers, 48 ; elders, 34 ; total, 82. Nays:
ministers, 67; elders, 57; total, 124. Excused: elders, 2. Absent:
ministers, 7 ; elders, 28 ; total, 35. P. 27.]
[A memorial from a convention held at Xenia, Ohio, asked the As-
sembly to declare instrumental music in the worship of God illegal,
until, at least, declared legal by overture. The following was
adopted :J
The Assembly of 1882 declared the law repealed. It also enjoined
the lower courts and the congregations to seek the peace of the Church,
This left all free, subject only to the law of love and the question of
edification. * * [For resolutions 1 and 2 see Sec. 10, p. 125.]
Resolved, 3. That further than the foregoing, the prayer of the mem-
orialists be not granted. Vol. VI, p. 235, 1885.
[A memorial was presented from the Pittsburg Conference, asking
the Assembly to exclude instrumental music from the worship of God.
On this the following action was taken ; Ayes 142 ; nays, 56 :]
* * * The resolutions attached to the memorial represent " that
the authoritative exclusion of instrumental music from the worship of
God in the United Presbyterian Church is necessary to a final and
CHURCH MUSIC. 123
peaceful settlement of the difficulty ;" " that a representation to this
effect be made by this Conference to the next General Assembly, and
that the Assembly be respectfully asked to order the exclusion desired;"
that in case of refusal on the part of the Assembly to grant their re-
quest they are placed " under the painful necessity of choosing between
obedience to the authority of Christ, and acquiescence in such refusal."
In response to this memoi-ial of brethren greatly esteemed and be-
loved, the General Assembly would say :
It is to be regretted that trouble has arisen and continued for so long
a time in the Church, on account of the repeal of the law prohibiting
instruments of music in the worship of the Church.
The law was declared repealed by overture by the Assembly of 1882.
This leaves all free, subject only to the law of love, and the question of
edihcation, as declared by the last General Assembly.
The attempt to authoritatively exclude instrumental music from the
praise service in our congregations, as asked by the memorial, would be
an attempt to re-enact the law already repealed, and this is clearly be-
yond the power and authority of the Assembly.
Moreover, such authoritative exclusion, under pain of discipline,
would be regarded as oppressive and intolerable by brethren, who do
not believe that such law is warranted by the Word of God.
These facts being as stated, and in view of deliverances by former
Assemblies, it is hereby respectfully declared by this Assembly, that the
request of tiie memorialists cannot be granted, and that any further
action by this Assembly is not necessary. Vol. VI, p. 428, 1886.
Resolved, That the memorialists be respectfully referred to the action
of former Assemblies, * * and that no further answer to their prayer
can be given by this Assembly. Vol. VII, p. 29, 1888.
Resolved, That while we recognize the memorialists as brethren be-
loved and entitled to the higiiest respect and consideration, we are con-
strained to say the action of former Assemblies grants all the relief
which this Assemblv cmu affbrd. Vol. VII, p. 222, 1889.
9. Instrumental Music in Mission Stations. — [The following
amendment was moved to tlie second resolution of the report of the
Committee on the Board of Home Missions, viz : That the report of
the General Committee of Home Missions be adopted :
" Except that tiie appropriations made to congregations using instru-
ments of music in worship be withheld, while such congregations con-
tinue to use tiieni ; and that the Board of Home Missions be instructed
to withiiold appropriations from any congregation which may introduce
and use instruments of music in their worship."
The amendment was not adopted. Ayes : ministers 44, elders 38 ;
total, 82. Nays : ministers 70, elders, 61 : total, 131. Excused: min-
isters, 2. Absent : ministers, 6, elders. 22 ; total, 28. Vol. VI, p.
17, 1884. A protest was entered, with the following reasons:]
1. Because this action binds upon the conscience of many of us, a
yoke which we are not able to bear, in requiring us as ministers and
elders to ask our people to contribute to the Home Mission Fund money
which will be used in assisting congregations, who are using a form of
worship which we regai-d as unscripturai, and which the General Assem-
bly of 1882 says the adopting of the overture did not sanction.
124 DIGEST OF THK ACTS OK THE ASSEMBLY.
2. Because it binds this burden upon ministers and probationers who
may be appointed to preacli in these or^an-using congregations the ne-
cessity of either leading in a form of worship they regard as unscriptural,
or else disobeying authority in refusing to preach in sucli congregations.
3. Because it tends to cultivate in our congregations a disposition to
disregard the superior courts of the Church, inasmuch as by assisting
with our money these congregations which have introduced and are us-
ing organs in worship, we do encourage them in their o|)en disobedience
to the requirements of the Assembly of 1882, which has said, " This
Assembly instructs and enjoins the lower courts to abstain and have all
under their authority abstain from any action in this matter, that would
disturb the peace and harmony of congregations, or unreasonably disre-
gard the conscientious conviction of members."
4. Because this action will necessarily interfere with many of our
congregations and members in their support of our Home Mission work,
inasmuch as it compels tliem either by contributions to assist and en-
courage congregations who are worshippinsr God in unscriptural forms,
or else refuse to iielp the Church in her Home Mission work.
b. Because it is of great importance that we, as a Church, maintain
uniformity of worship in our congregations, and by this action our As-
sembly does sanction the use of a form of worship which has no place in
our Directory for Worship, and in so doing gives encouragement to
members to regard the authority of our Church, in giving a common
rule to govern our congregations in the worship of God, as of very little
importance. For these things we do protest. Vol. VI, p. 33, 1884.
[The Assembly adopted the following :]
This protest is against the action of this Assembly in refusing tw
withdraw appropriations made by the Committee of Home Missions to
congregations using instrumental music, etc.
1. Tlie j)rotest assumes tliat the right of individuals and congrega-
tions to give specific direction to their contrii)Utions through the Home
Jioard does not exist, which assumption is incorrect.
2. Our system is not so inflexible that it will not admit of changes in
appointments necessary to accommodate the preferences of supplies.
Our rule for the distribution of men provides that " tlie reasonable
wishes of the missionary, if known, shall be regarded so far as the cir-
cumstances of the case will permit."
3. The third reason assumes that the action of the Assembly of 1882,
as set forth in the resolution quoted, was absolutely prohibitory — an as-
sumption which is neither warranted by the terms of the resolution, nor
by any interpretation given of it by any Assembly.
4. The fourth reason of the protest is sufficiently met in our answer
to the first.
o. The fifth reason assumes that tlie introduction of that which is
simply a help in praise necessarily changes the form of worship — an as-
sumption M'hicli we believe to be unwarranted. Vol. VI, p. 42, 1884.
Resolved, 2. That the question of granting or withholding appropria-
tions of money to congregations using musical instruments in worship be
referred to the Board of Home INIissions, in the confidence that said
Board will carry out the spirit and intent of the action of this Assembly,
in adopting the report of the Committee on Bills and Overtures on the
memorial of the Xenia Convention. Vol. VI, p. 242, 188.5.
CHURCH PROPERTY. 12")
[During the discussion of the report of the Committee on Home
Missions the following resolution was offered as an amendment :]
^ " Resolved, That no appropriation he made from the Home Mission
Fund in aid of any congregation or station using, in its worship, instru-
mental music, unless such practice be abandoned."
[The amendment was lost. Vol. VI, p. 425, 188G. Protest was
made, p. 430, and answered, p. 437.]
[The following amendment was offered :]
jResohed, That no part of the money appropriated in this report [ot
the General Committee on Home Missions] shall be expended in anv
congregation which is known to use instruments of music in connection
with the worship of God.
The vote was : Ayes : ministers, 30, elders, 30 ; total, 60. Navs :
ministers, 71, elders, 58; total, 129. Excused: ministers, 2. Vol. VI,
p. 665. [A protest was entered, p. 669.]
10. Charity and Forbearance Enjomed.— Resolved, 4. That
this Assembly hereby instructs and enjoins the lower courts to abstain,
and to have all under their authority abstain, from any action in this
matter that would disturb the peace and harmony of congregations, or
unreasonably disregard the conscientious convictions of members. Vol.
V, p. 525, 1882.
Resolved, 2. That its [the last Assembly's] admonitory resolution,
advising and enjoining against all action on this subject offensive to fel-
low-worshippers, or disturbing the peace of congregations, be emphati-
cally re-affirmed, and urged with renewed earnestness on the attention
of the pastors and sessions and people of the whole Church, Vol. V,
p. 729, 1883.
Resolved, 1. That the action of former assemblies, enjoining sessions
to refrain from divisive courses and uncharitable conduct in respect to
this matter, be reaffirmed.
2. While making no demand for the restoration of the law already
declared repealed, it is the judgment of this Assembly that the law of
charity requires that brethren and congregations refrain grieving the
hearts and wounding the consciences of many dear brethren who feel
that the use of instrumental accompaniment in praise is a corruption of
worship. Vol. VI, 235, 1885.
Resolved, That the memorialists be respectfully referred to the action
ot former assemblies, " enjoining sessions to abstain from divisive
courses and uncharitable conduct in this matter," and that this Assem-
bly does most earnestly repeat this injunction. Vol. VII, p. 29, 1888.
11. Appeal Concerning the Use of Instrumental Music in
Worship. — See Tate's Appeal.
12. Music for Sabbath-schools.— See "Bible Songs."
13. The Psalter. — See Psalter.
XXII. CHURCH PPvOPERTY.
1. Church Property should be held by Bea.cons.— Resolved, 3.
That Synods be, and they hereby are, urged to take im.mediate steps
for securing within their respective limits, such civil legislation in re-
gard to the tenure of ecclesiastical property, as may be requisite to
126 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
enable congregations to commit to deacons tlie charge wliich now rests
upon ordinary trustees. Vol. IV, p. 5G8, 1878.
Resolved, 4. That the third resolution of 1878, intended to prepare
the way through civil legislation for committing to deacons the legal
ownership of church property now vested in trustees, be repealed as both
difficult and unnecessary. Vol. V, p. 194, 1880.
2. Church Property may be held by Trustees. — Resolved, 3.
That there is nothing in tlie constitution of the Church forbidding the
appointment of trustees for the management of church property, under
the restrictions of the Assembly of 187"). Vol. V, p. 194, 1880.
3. Title to Church Property. — [The General Assembly of 1873,
Vol. Ill, p. 523, adopted a form of declaration of trust to be inserted
in every conveyance. See Charters. This was amended. Vol. V, p.
741, 1883. It was again amended, and is as follows :]
'' In trust as and for a place of divine worship, subject to the stand-
ards and acts of the United Presbyterian Church of North America, as
from time to time authorized by the said General Assembly of said
Church ; and that in case the said United Presbyterian Congregation of
shall cease to exist, be dissolved or cease to be connected with
and subject to the jurisdiction of said General Assembly, or shall lose
its corporate existence, the trust shall terminate and the title shall vest
absolutely in the Trustees of the General Assembly of the United Pres-
byterian Church of North America, who shall then have the right to
sell and convert the same into money without any liability of the pur-
chaser of the property to see to the application of the proceeds of such
sale. And whenever in the judgment of the said Trustees of the Gen-
eral Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church of North America, it
shall be proper or right, for any cause, to terminate such trust, and sell
or otherwise dispose of the said property, the said Trustees may, in
their discretion, act accordingly." Vol. VII, p. 213, 1889.
Resolved, 2. It is also earnestly recommended that existing charters
be changed to conform to this formula and clause in the deed.
3. That the General Assembly, in accordance with the decision of
the Supreme Court of the United States, in the case of Watson vs.
Jenner, instruct Presbyteries and congregations that the control and
possession of church property belongs only to the members holding to
the principles of the United Presbyterian Church, and that it will re-
quire a unanimous vote of the Session and congregation to sell, dispose
of, or alienate said church property ; it being understood that this action
does not prevent congregations from disposing of church property for
the purpose of rebuilding, or the erection of a new buildins in a new
location. Vol. Ill, p. 523, 1873.
4. Church Property is Under the Control of the Session. —
Resolved, 4. That in every church, the trustees shall be in full com-
munion with the church, and that the use of the church building for
public worship, and all other meetings, shall be under the direction and
control of the Session of the church. Vol. Ill, ]). 523, 1873.
[The action in this Section was taken on the report of a committee
appointed by the General Assembly of 1872, Vol. Ill, p. 389, to pre-
pare and present to the next General Assembly a paper defining the re-
lation of trustees and sessions to the congregation, and their power to
control its property and temporalities generally.]
CLERKS OF THE ASSEMBLY. 127
5. The Declaration of Trust a Condition of Aid to Mission
Stations. — Resolved, That tlie form tor a trust clause in deeds and dec-
larations of trust, adopted by the General Assembly of 1873, be
amended according to the above form, and tliat the same be adopted as
a condition of all appropriations by the Board of Home Missions and
the Board of Church Extension. Vol. V, p. 741, 1883.
6. Compend of Legal Decisions on the Tenure of Church
Property. — [Ihe representatives of the Mission Boards requested that
" the Clerks of the Assembly be instructed to have prepared, and to
print, for the use of the Trustees of the Assembly and of the Boards, as
occasion may arise, a briei compend or descriptive index of judicial de-
cisions by civil courts in cases affecting the legal status and rights of the
United Presbyterian Church." Whereupon the Assembly]
Resolved, That the Clerks of the Assembly be and hereby are in-
structed to prepare such a compend as is above described. Vol, VII,
p. 33, 1888.
In the brief ■ compend which has been prepared by Hon. A. M.
Brown, of the Pittsburgh, Pa. bar, a mass of valuable information is
made easily accessible. The labor of this distinguished jurist has been
without cost to the Church. Therefore,
Resolved, 1. That the hearty thanks of this Assembly are due and
are hereby tendered to Hon. A. M. Brown, for his valuable services.
2. That the committee be and is hereby directed to publish 2,000
copies of the above named compend for general distribution. Vol. VII,
p. 210, 1889.
7. Church Property to be Defended in the Name of the
Church. — Resolved, That this Assembly direct the Board of Church
Extension, or the Trustees of the General Assembly when the Board
of Church Extension is prevented by law from taking the necessary
action, to act promptly in the name of the Church in all cases where, in
their judgment, counsel and financial help are necessary to secure the
use of and retain the property to the United Presbyterian Church.
Vol. VII, p. 413, 1890.
XXIII. CLERKS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
1. The Principal Clerk. — Resolved, That there shall be one prin-
cipal clerk, to be elected every fourth year. Vol. I, p. 4, 1859.
2. The Election and Term of Oflace of the Principal Clerk.—
See Rules of Order, 3, 5.
.3. The Duties of thePrincii)al Clerk. — See Rules of Order, 13, 1;").
4. The Salary of the Principal Clerk. — [His salary was fixed at
$65.00, Vol. I, p. 4, 1859 ; it was increased to $100.00, Vol. Ill, j).
129, 1870 ; allowance was made for traveling and incidental expenses,
Vol. II, p. 418, 1867; it was decreased to $75.00, Vol. IV, p. 588,
1878.]
5. The Second Clerk. — Resolved, That instead of the assistant
clerk, who is elected annually and serves only during the sessions of the
Assembly, a second permanent clerk' be elected for the same term of
office with the principal clerk, who in addition to his duties during the
Assembly, shall have special charge of statistics, shall take measures to
128 DIGEST OF T)Ii: ACTS OF THK ASSKMBLY.
secure full and correct reports from all the Presbyteries, shall prepare
the tables for the press, and report to the Assembly all Presbyteries
which fail to send full and accurate statistics. Vol. II, p. 511, 1868.
6. The Election and Term of Ofl&ce of the Second Clerk. —
See rules of order, 3, 5,
Resolved, That the term of office of the second clerk expire at the
close of the business connected with this Assembly. Vol. Ill, p. 248,
1871.
7. The Duties of the Second Clerk.— See rules of order, 14, 15.
The second clerk is required to furnish the Permanent Committee
[on Sabbath Schools] all statistics that are necessary to a full report.
Vol. V, pp. 188, 241, 1880.
And also to furnish the Permanent («ommittee on Narrative and
State of Religion ;ill the statistics necessary to a full report. Vol. V,
p. 241, 1880.'
8. The Salary of the Second Clerk. — [His salary was fixed at
$45.00, and traveling expenses. Vol. II, p. 511, 1868; it was in-
creased to $100.00, Vol. Ill, p. 129, 1870; it was increased to $200.-
<)0, Vol. IV, p. 313, 1876; it was fixed at $200.00, Vol. IV, p. 588,
1878.]
An allowance, not exceeding thirty dollars, was made for clerical
assistance. Vol. V, p. 740, 1883. Expenses involved in the prepara-
tion of the statistical reports are to be paid from the General Assembly's
Fund. Vol. VI. p. 20, 1884.
9. The Assistant Clerk. — Resolved, That there shall be one assist-
ant clerk, to be elected annually. Vol. I, p. 4, 1859.
10. The Election and Term of Ofllce of the Assistant Clerk.—
See rules of order, 4.
11. The Salary of the Assistant Clerk. — [At first his services
were rendered gratituously, Vol. I, p. 4, 1859 ; but his salary was fixed
at $25.00, Vol. 1, p. 121, 1860; at $30.00, Vol. II, p. 162, 1865: at
$20.00, Vol. II, p. 321, 1866; at $30.00, Vol. II, p. 418, 1867; at
$25.00, Vol. Ill, p. 270, 1871 ; at $25.00, Vol. IV, p. 588, 1878 ; at
$25.00, Vol. V, p. 26, 1879 ; at $25.00, Vol. V, p. 358, 1881 ; at $20.-
00, Vol. V, p. 534, 1882 ; at $25.00, Vol, V, p. 737, 1883 ; at $10.00,
Vol. VI, p. 39, 1884.]
XXIV. COMMISSION.
[A memorial was presented from the Presbytery of Delaware, asking
a definition of the nature and duties of a Commission. The Assembly
adopted the following :]
Resolved, 1. That be a committee to take into considera-
tion the question of Commissions, and report to the next Assembly.
2. That, if said committee conclude that a chapter on Commissions
should be inserted in the Government and Discipline of the Church, it
be authorized to prepare and present to the next Assembly such a
chapter. Vol. V, p. 21, 1879.
[The committee reported. Vol. V, p. 252, 1880, and the Assembly,
after discussion, adopted the following paper:]
Resolved, 1. That the following question be submitted to the Presby-
COMMISSION. 129
teries to be voted upon, yea or nay, and the vote reported to the next
Assembly:
" Shall the General Assembly order the preparation of a chapter, to
be added (after overture to Presbyteries and adoption bv them), to our
iJook ot Government and Discipline, providing for, and" re-ulatin- the
■appointment of Commissions l)y Sessions, Presbyteries and Synods''?"
2. That the paper now before the Assembly be published in the min-
utes and in the i.eriodicals of the Cliurch, submitted to Presbyteries for
their consideration in connection with this question, and referred to the
next General Assembly. Vol. V, p. 183, 1880.
The overture was adopted by its following vote : Ayes, 418 ; Nays,
409 ; not voting, 50. ^
Resolved, That this Assembly appoint a committee of three to pre-
pare the Chapter on Commissions, which was contemplated in that
overture. \ ol. Y, p. 343, 1881.
[The committee reported— Vol. V, p. 592, 1882— the draft of a
Chapter on Commissions, to be added, if approved, to Part I of the
liook of Government, and corresponding changes to be made in olher
parts of the Book, if the chapter should be adopted. The resolution to
overture the prepared chapter was lost— ayes, 76 ; nays, 78_but the
report, after discussion, was amended and adopted as follows :]
Resolved, That this General Assembly, recognizing the rirrht of
bynods. Presbyteries and Sessions, to appoint commissions in special
matters, does hereby adopt the following rules, defining their scope and
regulating their procedure under then^ viz. :
1. A commission is an agency invested with the power of the court
appointing it, and authorized to deliberate upon and conclude the busi-
ness submitted to it. It is not in itself a court, but acts for and in the
stead ot the court it represents; its powers are defined by the terms of
Its appointment, and its existence terminates with the particular busi-
ness committed to it.
2. Such commissions may be appointed bv Sessions, Presbyteries and
bynods, to act in matters to which the full court cannot, without <rreat
inconvenience, attend ; or in which the ends of government may be
more. judiciously attained by this means than by a meeting of the court
Itself, and by the General Assembly for the adjudication of appeals in
cases of discipline.
3. Commissions may be appointed in delicate or difficult matters re-
quiring much deliberation and prudence ; for the organization of con-
gregations ; as provisional Sessions for mission or partially disorganized
■congregations ; for the installation of ministers ; for taking tes^timony
in judicial cases ; for the visitation of congregations ; for life investi-m-
tion of offences and irregularities, proi)erly brought before the coiTrt,
and for the trial of cases, and the adjudication of appeals and com-
plaints.
4. Except for the organization of a consregation and for a provis-
ional Session, a commission of Presbytery shall consist of not less than
two ministers and an elder ; a commission of Synod of not less than
five ministers and four elders ; and of the General Assembly of not less
than eight ministers and seven elders. In each case two-thirds shall
constitute a quorum.
9
130 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
5. The proceedings of a commission shall be according to the rules of
the court it re])resents, and shall be subject to review, appeal and com-
plaint. It shall, therefore, submit a full record of its proceedings to the
court appointing it, which, if the proceedings have been regular, and
the commission has not exceeded its powers, shall be entered upon and
become a part of the recoids of the court.
6. The right of dissent, protest, appeal and complaint, and the rules
of procedure therein, shall be the same as in the full court. The reason
for ])rotest, ajipeal or complaint shall be lodged with the Moderator or
the Clerk of tlie Court ap[)ointing the commission, and the commission
shall not app<-'ar in any subsequent proceedings.
7. A judicial commission of the General Assembly shall report its
finding of the facts in the case, and aiso its judgment thereon. The
finding of the facts shall be final, but the General Assembly may review
the judgment.
8. The court appointing a commission shall ilesignate the time and
place of its meeting, the nature of the business submitted to it, and the
extent of the power delegated to it, and the clerk shall give the chair-
man a copy of the record, with all the papers relating to the business.
Vol. V, p. 527, 18«2.
XXY. COMMITTEES.
1. Standing Committees. — See rules of order, 18-29, and Ap-
propriation.
2. Permanent Committees. — I. On Finance. See Finance.
II. On jS'aki{ative and State of Keligion Resolved, That the
rule requiring the appointment of a committee on the Narrative and
State of Religion soon after the opening of each Assembly be suspended;
and that such committee shall be appointed before each Assembly rises ;
and that this committee shall have under consideration, during the en-
tire year, the conditions, tendencies and development of the spiritual
life of the church, and shall report to the next Assembly ; and in order
that this report may be made more intelligently, it shall be the duty of
the Presbyteries to forward to the chairman of this committee, their re-
ports on the state of religion in the churches under their care, not later
than the first day of jMay of each year. Vol. Ill, p. 158, 1870.
2. That the action of the Assembly of 1870 relative to the Committees
on Narrative and State of Religion, be hereby rescinded.
3. That the rule defining the duties of the Committee on Narrative
and State of Religion be so amended as to require said committee to
report to the General Assembly following its ap})ointment ; and in order
that this report may be made more intelligently, it shall be the duty of
the Presbyteries to forward to the chairman of said committee their re-
ports on the state of religion in the churches under their care. Vol.
III, p. 518, 1873. [It is, however, the custom to appoint two com-
mittees on Narrative and State of Religion each year ; one a standing
committee, to report to the Assembly by whicii it was appointed ; the
other a permanent committee, to report to the Assembly following its
appointment.]
[The Permanent Committee was instructed to prepare and distribute
COMMITTEES. ];31
through the Second Clerk of the Asseml.ly, blanks for reports by con-
gregations ana Presbyteries. Vol. lY, p. 15, 1874. This superseded
a previous order tliat the Clerk of the Assembly prepare blank forms
i«rQ^^''?? '''^ ^"^ !"''""-'^'^^'^^l to '»'« General Assembly. Vol. II, p. 504,
l»bb^. ihe blanks are now sent out by the Committee.] .
[The Permanent Committee was directed to prepare an outline for a
report, specifying the general objects on which information is desired
se ecting only such subjects as will sho\y the spiritual condition of the
i^liurch, the general drift of religious sentiment, and the friendly or op-
posing influences wiiich are met ; to be sent to each Presbytery, a con-
erence to be held on ti.e subject and a narrative prepared and sent to
the Committee. I l.e Second Clerk was required to.furnish to the Com-
?1'I''w'Lm '''^^;,^"-^''<-'^ /'''-^f •"•« necessary to a full report. Vol. V, p.
tinued 1 sending of blanks by the Second Clerk was discon-
Jiesolved, 3. That the Permanent Committee [on Narrative! be an-
pointed for three years, and that the name at the head of the committee
be retire^d each year, and another name be added to the foot. Vol. VII
p. 22, 1 88s. '
in. On Reduced Railroad Fare.— Whereas, We believe it to be
for the best interests of future General Assemblies and the church at
large to have the Committee on reduced railroad rates composed of a
permanent committee of one ; therefore,
Resolved, 1. That this Assembly appoint one suitable person, with an
alternate, as such committee.
_ 2. That it shall be the duty of said committee to attend all the meet-
ings of the General Asseml)ly.
• \ TJiat provision be made for the payment of all expenses incurred
in the discharge of his official duties. Vol. VI, p. 427, 1886.
[This rule was not repealed, but the Assembly adopted the folIowin«r -1
.Resolved, That . . [five persons] be appointed theAssembly's com-
mittee to arrange for reduced rates of transportation for the Assembly
which IS to meet in Allegheny. Vol. VII, p. 656, 1891.
IV. On "RQiorm.— Resolved, That a permanent committee be
created to be known as the Committee on Reform, to whom shall be
referred all memorials and papers on the subjects of the Sabbath Tem-
perance, Aational Reform, etc., and this committee shall consist of three
ministers and two ruling elders. Vol. VI. p. 442, 1886.
V. On Sabbath Schools.— See Sabbath Schools, Sec. 3, and Pub-
hcation, Lonrd of, .Sec. 12. ^ , u. j. uu
VI. On Ways and Means. — 7?«o/recf, That there be appointed
annually a 1 ermanent Committee on Ways and Means, whose duties
shall be as above mentioned [- to devise and execute proper measures for
raising the money necessary to support the general work of the Church,
and to report annuallyto the General Assembly :"] to consist of seven
members, four of them living in one place, and the other three in diff-
erent parts of the Clinrcli. Vol. VII, p. 33, 1888
yii. On Young- People's Work. — l. That* a permanent com-
mittee of hve be appointed to give general direction to the work amonc.
our young people, with authority to prepare and publish a constitution
tor young people s societies, in harmony with the principles and usa-es
132 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
•of the United Presbyterian Church, and that the name at the head of
the committee be retired each year and anotlier name be added at the
foot. Vol. VII, p. 214, 1889.
3. Expenses of Permanent Committees. — Resolved, 6. That
committees to meet with committees ot other churches, and the perma-
nent committees, report their expenses to the General Assembly for
payment. Vol. IV, p. 453, 1877.
XXVI. CONFEDERATION OF EVANGELICAL
CHUKCHES.
1. Confederation is not for Edification. — Resolved, That while
-cherisliing kind and Christian regards lor every follower of Ciirist, and
for all evangelical churches, and while holding itself ready to co-operate
in any good work with the servants of Christ of ^txery name, yet this
Assembly does not feel that it would be for edification for us to set
aside, in principle or practice, any of its distinctive features as a portion
of the visible church, or even seem to affect a union which could not in
reality exist. Vol. Ill, p. 524, 1873.
2. Conference on a Federation of Churches. — On the com-
munication from tlie General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, re-
questing the appointment of a committee to confer with similar com-
mittees from otlier Cliurches for tlie purpose of securing a federation of
the Cliristian Churches of this land, your committeee believe that the
objects sought to be accomplished by such a conference are certainly
very desirable and may be briefly stated as follows: (1) The
-concentration of the influence and efforts of all evangelical Churches in
the work of reclaiming the Christless masses. (2) The prosecution of
home and foreign missionary work by the different Churches on the
same principles of comity, so that different Churches may cultivate par-
ticular fields and so avoid unseemly strife, (3) The education of the
public conscience with scriptural views on marriage and divorce, the
Sabbath, temperance, and other moral and social questions It seems to
your committee that it is worth while to at least make the attempt to
accomplish such desirable results, and therefore we reccommend for
jour adoption the following resolution :
Resolved, That be and hereby are appointed a committee of
three to represent the United Presbyterian Church in the meetings of
the Committee on Federation of the Churches of this land. Vol. VII,
p. 674, 1891.
XXVII. CORRESPONDING CHURCHES.
1. Names of Corresnonding" Churches. — Associate Reformed
Synod of the South. Vol? II, p. 487, 1868.
General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States
of America. (O. S.) Vol. I, p. 352, 1862.
General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States
■of America. (N. S.) Vol. I. p. 39, 1859.
Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. Vol. I, p. 494, 1863"
General Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Cliurch. Vol. I, p.
494, 1863.
CORRESPONDING CHURCHES. 13S
General Synod of the Reformed (Dutch) Churcli. Vol. II, p. 147,
1865.
General Synod of tlie Evangelical Lutheran Church of the United
States of America. Vol. Ill, p. Ill, 1870.
Synod of the Free Presbyterian Churcli. Vol. II, p. 152, 1865.
Synod of the United Presbyterian Church in Canada. Vol. I, p. 123^
1860.
Synod of the Canada Presbyterian Church. Vol. Ill, p. 11, 1869.
Synod of the Presbyterian Church of the Maritime Provinces. VoL
III,' p. 380, 1872.
Synod of tlie Presbyterian Churcli of the Lower Provinces. Vol.
Ill,' p. 380, 1872.
General Assembly of the Presbyterian Cluirch in Ireland. Vol. I^
p. 32, 1859.
Assembly of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland. Vol. I, p^
39, 1859.
Synod of the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland. Vol. I, p.
39, 'l859.
General Assembly of the Established Church of Scotland. Vol. IV,
p. 39, 1874.
Synod of the Presbyterian Church of England. Vol. I, p. 39, 1859.
General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Vol, VI,
p. 31,1884.
National Council of the Congregational Churches. Vol. VI, p. 31,
1884.
Svnod of the Holland Christian Reformed Church. Vol. VII, p. 34,
1888.
Vaudois Churches in Italy. Vol. I, p. 123, 1860.
Church of the Waldenses. Vol. Ill, p. 514, 1873.
Free Christian Church in Italy. Vol. IV, p. 39, 1874.
The Evangelical Society of Geneva. Vol. VI, p. 659, 1887.
2. Expenses of Delegates to Corresponding Churches. — Be-
solved, 6. That the delegates of the Assembly to other bodies report
their expenses to the General Assembly for payment. Vol. IV, p. 453,
1877. [This rule lias not been applied to delegates to Churches in for-
feign countries or the Council of Presbyterian Churches.]
3. No More Delegates to Corresponding Churches to be Ap-
pointed.— Resolved, 1. Tliat after the present year the appointment of
delegates to other churches be suspended, with the exception of the As-
sociate Reformed Synod of the South. Vol. IV, p. 576, 1878.
Resolved, That as it was understood that the main object of the-
various branches of the Presbyterian family holding intercourse witb
one another by delegates has been largely provided for by the General
Presbyterian Council, and the Assembly has generally discontinued the
practice; therefore, nothing more is required in this case, [viz: Gen-
eral Synod of the Reformed Church.] Vol. V, p. 363, 1881.
Resolved, That the rule in regard to the appointment of delegates be
suspended for this year, and that they be appointed to these bodies, [vizr
The General Synod of Reformed Church in America, and the Evan-
gelical Lutheran Synod.] Vol. V, p. 538, 1882.
[Delegates were subsequently appointed as follows:
134 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
To the General Synotl of the Reformed Cliurch in America, Vol.
Y, p. 742, 1883; Vol. VI, p. 31, 1884; p. 417, 188G ; p. 684, 1887;
Vol. VII, p. 35. 1888.
To the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Vol.
V, p. 31, 1884.
To the National Council of Congregational Churches, Vol. V, p. 31,
1884.
To the Synod of the "Waldensian Church, Vol. VIII, p. 235,
1889.
To the Svnod of the Holland Christian Reformed Ciiurch, Vol.
VII, p. 35, 1888.
To the Centennial Meeting of the General Assembly of the Presby-
terian Church in the United States of America, Vol. VI, p. 684,
1887.]
XXVIII. CORRESPONDING SECRETARIES.
1. The Election and Term of OflBce of the Corresponding
Secretaries of the Boards. — Tiiere shall be for eacli Board a Cor-
responding Seci-eiary, elected by the General Assembly for a term of
four years. Vol. IV, }). 22. 1874.
2. Salary of the Corresponding" Secretaries. — See Salary.
o. The Right of Corresponding Secretaries to Speak in the
Assembly. — Tlie corresponding secretaries sliall liave tlie right to
speak in the Assembly on all (juestions relating to the Boards with
which they are severally connected. A"ol. IV, p. 22, 1874.
4. Corresponding Secretaries are Ex-officio Members of
the Boards. — Tiiere shall be for eacli Board, a Corresponding Secre-
tary. * * :!= -who shall be ex-ojfficio a member of the Board. Vol.
IV, p. 22, 1874.
5. On the Corresponding Secretary of the Board of Home
Missions Giving His Whole Time to the Wor^.— Resolved,
Tljat the question of tiie propriety of employing and directing the Sec-
retary to devote all his time to the work of iiis office, be referred to the
Presbyteries, with instructions to repoi-t on the subject to the next Gen-
eral Assembly. Vol. II, p. 410, 1867.
Tlie Committee on Bills and Overtures presented a report on the
ovei-tures, * * which was adopted. * * On tiie propriety of
em|)loying and directing the vSecretary of the Board of Home JMissions
to devote all his time to the work of his office, the following vote is re-
ported by thirty-four Presbyteries ; Wlio'e number of votes given,
454: number for employing a Permanent Secretary, 124; number
against, 330. There is thus a decided majority against employing and
directing the Secretary to devote all his time to his office. Vol. II, p.
498, 1868.
Resolved, That the Corresponding Secretary of the Board of Home
Missions be requested to devote his time exclusively to the work of the
Secretaryshij). Vol, VI, p. 468, 1886.
6. On the Corresponding Secretary of Church Extension
Giving His Whole Time to the '^or'^.— Resolved, 8. That the
Board be directed to take under advisement the propriety or feasibility
Dawson's appeals. 135
of requiring the CoiTespondinj? Secretary to devote his entire time and
attention to the work entrusted to tliis Board, and its judgment on the
point be reported to the next General Assembly. Vol. V, p. 739,
1883.
[The Board reported :
After carefully considering the subject in the light of our experience,
keeping in view the constant and somewhat rapid enlargement of the
work entrusted to our care, we earnestly recommend that such action be
taken by the Assembly as will secure for this important department of
the Cliurch's work the entire time and attention of the Corresponding
Secretary of this Board.
The Assembly took the following action :]
Resolved, That the Assembly does not deem it expedient at the pres-
ent time. Vol. VI, pp. 77, 3,3, 1884.
XXIX. COVENANTING.
Resolved, 1. That it is the duty of pastors to instruct their people in
relation to the nature of the duty of public social covenanting, and the
proper seasons for its observance, in common with other religious duties.
2. That pastors and Sessions should carefully observe the dispen-
sations of Divine providence ; and if the circumstances of congregations
furnish a call, and it is deeme'd for edification, that they engage in the
observance of the duty. Vol. I, p. 170, 1860.
Resolved, That while congregations may consider the dealings of Di-
vine providence with them and the church at large, to determine what
is their duty in relation to this matter, this General Assembly does not
see that the circumstances in which we are placed furnish a special
providential call to the church to engage in the dut}^ of public social
covenanting with God at the present time. Vol. 1, p. 483, 1863.
Resolved, That the committee be instructed to prepare a brief chapter
on social covenanting, and that it be embraced in this overture, [on the
Directory for AVorship.] Vol. II, p. 27, 1804.
XXX. DAWSON'S APPEALS.
First : The Resignation of an Elder made void by an Appeal
Sustained. — [James Dawson and otliers appealed from a decision
of the Synod of Iowa, in a case carried up from the Presbytery of Keo-
kuk. The following is a statement of the case :]
At an adjourned meeting of the Presbytery of Keokuk, held at Wash-
ington, la., Fel)ruary 24, 188.3, the Presbytery received and recorded
the report of a Commission, appointed at a previous meeting, directing
James Dawson, Alexander Knox, and James Skinner, members of Ses-
sion of the First United Presbyterian Church of Washington, to resign
their office as elders on the first Monday of March, 1885, at 2 p. m., and
also directing Session to accept their resignations. An appeal from this
action was taken by George Warrington, J. T. Tate, James Dawson,
and Alexander Knox. The Session met at the time appointed, and
James Skinner expressed his willingness to resign, but no action was
taken by Session at this meeting. At a subsequent meeting, held
136 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
April 27, 1885, tlie resignation of James Skinner was presented and
accepted by the Session.
AVhen the above appeal came before the Synod of Iowa, at Omaha,
September 29, 1885, it was sustained, and the action of Presbytery re-
versed. At a meeting of Presbytery held December 7, 1885, the ques-
tion was raised concerning the standing of James Skinner as an elder in
the First Church of AVashington. The Presbytery took tlie following
action : " liesolced. That inasmuch as the appeal from Presbytery has
been sustained by Synod and tlie action of Presbytery reversed, it is the
opinion of Presbytery tliat James Skinner is still a member of the Ses-
sion of the First Churcli." Of this action Robert Braden and others
complained to Synod to meet at Cedar R;ii)ids, September 28. 1886.
The action of Synod on this complaint was as follows : '■^Resolved, That,
in view of all the circumstances, there is no valid ground of complaint."
From this action the appellants bring their appeal to this Assembly.
Your Committee find that the appeal is regularly before the Assembly,
and recommend that it be taken up and issued according to order.
The appeal was not sustained. Vol. VI, p. 664, 1887.
Second : Right of an Elder to his Seat Pending an Appeal. —
[A second appeal trom the Synod of Iowa was presented by James
Dawson and others.]
This appeal comes before the Assembly based on the following facts :
After appeal No. 1 had been taken, the question was raised concern-
ing the right of James Skinner to act witli the Session of the First
Church of Washington while tlui appeal was pending concerning his
right to a place in the Session. On this question the Synod of Iowa
took the following action : '' Resolced, That in the judgment of this
Synod he is entitled to sit and act with the Session." From this action
tlie present appeal is taken to this Assembly.
Your Committee find that the appeal is regularly before the Assem-
bly. But inasmuch as the matter at issue in it has been terminated by
the decision of appeal Ko. 1, the committee recommend the following
action :
Resolved, That no further proceedings in this case are necessary.
Vol. VI, p. 680, 1887.
XXXI. DEACONS.
[A memorial was presented asking such a change in the Book of
Government as would allow the election of Deaconesses, Vol. IV, p.
153, 1875, when the following action was taken :]
Resolved, That a committee be appointed, whose duty it shall be to
prepare for the next General Assembly a report on the subject of the
deaconship, dealing particularly with the questions as to the perpetuity
of the office, the functions pertaining to it, and the persons eligible to it ;
said committee to furnish by February 1st, 1876, a copy of their report
for publication in the periodicals issued peculiarly in the interests of our
church. Vol. IV, p. 186, 1875.
[This report, as published in the papers of the church, was brought
before the next Assembly, when] after discussion, the further consider-
DEACONS. 137
ation of the whole subject was postponed, and the report of the commit-
tee was referred to the next Assembly. Vol. IV, p. 301, 1876.
[At the next Assembly this report was referred to a special commit-
tee, Vol IV, p. 434, 1877, but their report was laid on the table, Vol.
IV, p. 455, 1877. At the next Assembly the resolutions of the original
report were adopted.] Resolved, 1. that the General Assembly,
heartily approving of the teaching of its subordinate standards touching
the Divine institution and permanent obligation of the office of deacon"^
and being persuaded also that it is of great importance for the welfare
of the church that the teacJiing of these standards on this subject be re-
duced to practice, hereby enjoins Synods, Presbyteries and Sessions to
adopt measures, witli all becoming promptitude, to have deacons ap-
pointed in the different congregations of the church, in the manner pre-
Bcribed in the Book of Government and Discipline.
2. That Presbyteries be, and they iiereby are, directed to report to
the General Assembly, from time to time, the progress made in carry-
ing into effect, in their respective bounds, the direction just given.
3. That Synods be, and they hereby are, urged to take immediate
steps for securing witiiin their respective limits such civil legislation in
regard to the tenure of ecclesiastical property as may be requisite to en-
able congregations to commit to deacons the ciiarge which now rests
upon ordinary trustees.
^ 4. That while the General Assembly does not find in Scripture suffi-
cient authority for the ordination of women to the office of deacon, it is
convinced that pious women may, with profit to themselves, and with
great advantage to the cause of suffering humanity and of Christ, be
organized to act as assistants of the deacon ; it being understood, how-
ever, that those so devoting themselves and banded together, shall not
be formed into sisterhoods living apart from ordinary society, after the
manner of certain Popish devotees, or even of some'associations found
in certain denominations of the Protestant Church. Vol. IV, p. 567.
1878. ^
[Six Presbyteries reported the progress they had made in carrying
into effect the action of the Assembly. The following was adopted :]°
In view of the importance of this office, and especially of having
deacons as spiritual officers of the church to take the place of trustees
in the management of the temporal affairs of the congregations, the
following action is recommended :
Resolved, That all the congregations under the care of the Assembly
be instructed to endeavor to have the law of the church in regard to
this office carried out, by having deacons ordained and installed in their
midst as soon as their circumstances permit. Vol. V, p. 28, 1879,
[At the next Assembly memorials were presented from several Pres-
byteries asking lor a modification of the acts of 1878 and 1879. The
action taken is as follows :]
Resolved, 1. That deacons are mentioned among the regular and per-
manent officers of the New Testament church, but since elders are
entirely competent to exercise the duties of the diaconate, those con-
gregations in which these duties are successfully performed by the elders
have fulfilled the spirit of the law, and nothing more is required.
2. That the language of the Book of Government indicates that the
138 DIGEST OF THK ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
duties of the diaconate are of two classes, those which belong essentially
to the office and those which may be assigned to it. The first are spec-
ified as those which belong to the collection and distribution of the
church's charities, which include all the benevolent contributions of the
church; the second to all such temporalities as maybe committed to
their care.
3. That there is nothing in the constitution of the church forbidding
the aj)))ointment of trustees for the management of church property,
under the restrictions of the Assembly of 1873.
4. That the third resolution of 1878, intended to prepare the way
through civil legislation for committing to deacons the legal ownership
of church property now vested in trustees, be repealed as both dilficult
and unnecessary. Vol. V, p. 194, 1880.
2. Resignation of Deacons. — " To whom shall the ruling elder or
deacon offer his resignation when desiring to retire from active service ;
and what constitutional steps are necessary to complete the act?"
Resolved, 1. He shall offer his resignation to the Session, which is the
primary court of the elder or deacon.
2. The same steps are to be taken as in the case of the teaching
elder. Book of Government, Part II, Chap. VI, Art. IV. Vol. V,
p. 720, 1883.
XXXII. DELEGATE FUND.
1. General Delegate Fund. — Resolved, l. That a committee be
appointed to report to the next Assembly on the propriety of establish-
ing a general delegates' fund.
2. That the committee contemplated in the foregoing resolution, be
instructed to report a plan for establishing and managing such fund,
should they see fit to report in favor of founding it. Vol. II, p. 29,
18G4.
[The report of this committee was referred to a special committee,
Vol. II, p. 142, 1865, which reported the following resolutions:]
Resolved, 1. That a delegate fund be established by the Assembly.
2. That a sum be assessed on the several Presl)yteries in proportion
to the number of communicants under their care, sufficient to allow an
average of thirty dollars per delegate to the Assembly, which, in the
judgment of your committee, would amount to six thousand dollars.
3. That Presbyteries be required to deposit their contributions in the
hands of the treasurer of the Assembly annually, before the meeting of
the Assembly.
4. That the Committee on Credentials be authorized to furnish each
commissioner to the Assembly with an order on the treasurer for an
amount equal to his necessary expenses by the most direct route to the
Assembly, or in proportion to such expense in case of a deficiency in
the treasury.
5. That if any Presbytery shall neglect to contribute their propor-
tion, their commissioners shall not be paid, if there be a deficiency in
the treasury. Vol. II, p. 1G9, 18Go. [These resolutions were referred
to the next Assembly, but it seems they were never acted on.]
[The Presbytery of Kansas memorialized the Assembly to institute
DELEGATE FUND. 139
a delegates' fund for tlie whole Church, but the Assembly in view of
♦' previous experience,'']
Resolved, Tiiat it would be unwise, at present, to make any change
in this particular. Vol. II, p. 495, 1868.
Resolved, \. That a committee be appointed, to whom shall be re-
ferred for their report at the next Assembly the subject of making pro-
vision for the entertainment of commissioners to the Assembly, as
brought before this Assembly by the memorial from tlie Presbytery of
Allegheny. Vol. Ill, p. 422, 1872. [This committee reported to the
next Assembly, but no action appears to have been taken. Vol. Ill,
p. 515, 1873.]
[Certain memorials, asking for the establishment of a general dele-
gate fund, and a sustentation fund, having been presented to the As-
sembly, the following resolutions were adopted :]
Resolved, 1. That we deem it inexpedient to establish either of these
funds at the present time.
2. That a committee of one member from each Synod be appointed,
to whom all the papers relating to these subjects shall be referred, and
whose duty it shall be to consider these subjects carefully, and report
to the next General Assembly ; and also to publish their report in the
papers of the church, at least three months before the meeting of the
Assembly. Vol. Ill, p. 543, 1873. [This committee reported, and
their report was referred to the Committee on Bills and Overtures,
which reported with reference to the sustentation fund, but not with
reference to the delegate fund. Vol. IV. p. 12, 1874.]
The memorial of the Presbytery of Monongahela asks that a general
law be enacted requiring Presbyteries to pay the traveling expenses and
the bills for boarding and lodging of their respective delegates during
their attendance on the sessions of the General Assembly, and author-
izing Presbyteries to refuse to pay in cases in which the congregation,
\yith which the minister or elder who is a delegate is connected, is de-
linquent in contributing to the delegates' fund. The committee admit
that there may be injustice and unfairness in the present condition of
things as complained of, but they are clearly of the opinion that the
course recommended by the resolutions appended to the memorial w^ill
not aiFord a sufficient remedy. We therefore recommend the adoption
of the following i-esolution, viz.:
Resolved, That the resolutions of the memorialists be not adopted.
Vol. IV, p. 298, 187G.
[Immediately on the adoption of the above, on motion, " the whole
subject of providing a delegate fund Avas referred to the Committee on
Bills and Overtures." The committee reported the following :]
Resolved, That Presbyteries be requested to embrace their opinions
on the subject of a general delegates' fund in their reports to the next
General Assembly. Vol. IV, p. 308, 1876.
Ten Presbyteries have reported favorably to the establishment of a
delegate fund ; thirty-four have reported against the establishment of
such a fund ; eleven have either not acted, or have failed to report their
action on this subject.
Resolved, That it is not expedient, at present, for the Assembly to at-
tempt the establishment of a general delegate fund. A^ol. IV, p. 436, 1877.
140 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY,
[On the memorial of the Presbytery of Oregon for a general delegate
fund, the Assembly appointed a committee to prepare a plan for con-
sideration by the next Assembly, and to publish it not later than Jan.
1, 1883. Vol. y, p. 533, 1882. No action appears to have been taken.]
Resolved, 4. In reference to the memorials received from the Presby-
teries of Oregon and Colorado, that a fund be established and known as
the "General Delegate Fund," and that this Assembly make an assess-
ment of ten (10) cents per capita on the membership of the whole
Church, and that when Presbyteries pay the assessment in full, their
delegates be reimbursed in full for their expenses incurred in attending
Buch meetings; and in case any Pre.^bytery shall fail to pay its quota in
full, the delegates from such Presbyteries shall be reimbursed in like
ratio; that this Assembly appoint a Treasurer to take charge of said
fund, giving him such insti'uctions as it may deem necessary. Vol. VI,
p. 36, 1884. [No treasurer was appointed.]
[The Presbytery of Colorado asked the Assembly to "take such
action as may be necessary to carry into effect the action of 1884." The
action taken is:]
Resolved, 1. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer of the Assembly, in
his yearly estimates for the Assembly's fund, to provide for the pay-
ment of the actual traveling expenses of commissioners to the Assembly,
over and above what would be paid by an assessment of ten cents per
member in the Presbyteries from which they are delegates.
2. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer of the Assembly to pay out
of the Assembly's fund, all actual traveling expenses of delegates, which
would not be paid by assessment of ten cents per member in Presbyteries
represented, and not otherwise paid, upon the recommendation of the
committee on Delegates' and Commissioners' Expenses.
3. The Assembly shall appoint a standing committee of one on Dele-
gates' and Commissioners' Expenses. Vol. VI, p. 431, 1886.
[The committee on Delegates' Expenses reported that there were no
funds in the treasury, and that therefore it was impossible to pay any
part of the expenses of the delegates to this Assembly. The Assembly
took the following action :]
After three years' experience it is manifest the Church at large is
not willing to maintain such a fund.
We therefore recommend the repeal of the rule of 1884, establishing
the " Delegates' Fund," as its remaining upon the books of the Church
is productive of controversy and' disappointment. Vol. VI, p. 686, 1887.
XXXIII. DIGEST OF THE DELIVERANCES OF THE GEN-
ERAL ASSEMBLY.
That however desirable it may be to have a digest of all the acts of
the Associate Reformed Presbyterian, the Associate Presbyterian and
the United Presbyterian Churches, the pecuniary condition of the
church will not warrant us to engage in the publication of such a work
at present ; therefore, ••
Resolved, That it be postponed. Vol. I, p. 223, 1861.
[So much of tlie report (on the Board of Publication) as refers to the
codifying of the enactments of the various General Assemblies, was re-
DIRECTORY FOR WORSHir. 141
ferred to the Board of Publication, to report next year. Vol. Ill, p.
544, 1873. No report was made.]
[On memorials from the Presbyteries of First New York and Ten-
nessee, tlie General Assembly appointed a committee of three to prepare
and publish a digest of "tlie principal deliverances of the Assemblies
since 1858, in a suitable form for convenient reference."] Vol. IV, p.
299, 187G.
[This committee reported to the next Assembly, Vol. IV, p. 493,
1877, when the following action was taken:]
Resolved, 1. That the work of your committee to prepare a digest be
approved.
2. That it be referred to the same committee, with instruction to
make such revision as may be deemed necessary, and to incorporate in
it such items from the proceedings of the present Assembly and that of
1878, as is proper to complete the work to that date.
3. Tliat the committee be instructed to publish this work, and with it
the Book of Government and Discipline, as soon after the above date as
possible. Vol. IV, p. 441, 1877.
[The digest was published by the Board of Publication in accordance
with the above action.]
Resolved, 6. That the Board of Publication be directed to issue a
new edition of the " Digest," bringing it up to date. Vol. VII, p. 224,
1889.
[The Board asked for instructions, and the Assembly gave the follow-
ing:]
Resolved, 5. That the Board be instructed to appoint a committee to
prepare and publish a new edition of the Digest without delay, compris-
ing all the information in as condensed a form as will be consistent
with clearness of expression, and at the same time with as much fullness
as mav be required, in its judgment, to meet the aim of such a book.
Vol. VII, p. 433, 1890.
Resolved, 2. Tliat the Board be directed to complete, as soon as possi-
ble, the new edition of the Digest. Vol. VII, p. G37, 1891.
XXXIV. DONALDSON'S APPEAL.
In the case of appeal from the action of the Synod of New^ York, we
find the papers of Air. James Donaldson very irregular; therefore.
Resolved, That the case be dismissed. 'Vol. VII, p. 29, 1888.
XXXV. DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP.
Resolved, Tliat a committee of three be appointed to prepare and
publish a draft of a Directory for "Worship, public and family, and that
this draft be sent in overture to the Presbyteries, and tliey be directed
to report their judgment tiiereon, with sucli amendments as they may
deem expedient, to the next Assembly. Vol. I, p. 119, 1860.
[Such a araft was presented to the next Assembly, when the follow-
ing action was taken:]
Resolved, That the Directory for Worship, together with all the
reports of the Presbyteries thereon, and any amendments of Presbyteries
142 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
»
or individuals, which may be sent in to tlieni up to the first of Novem-
ber next, be committed to the same committee, wlio vsliall mature and
publish the work ; that it is hereby sent down to tlie Presbyteries in
overture, and tliat they report on the book, aye or no, to the next Gen-
eral Assembly. Vol. I, p. 226, 18G1.
[On this overture twenty-lour Presbyteries reported, but only eleven
reported favorably. The following action was taken :]
Resolved, 1. That the Directory be referred to a select committee,
with instructions to re-write tiie document.
2. That to tiiis committee be referred all the proposed amendments,
either printed or in the reports of Presbyteries.
3. That this select committee be required to report to the next Gen-
eral Assembly. Vol. I, p. 3J4, 18G2.
[This committee not being ready to re{)ort, tlie following action was
taken :]
Resolved, That the committee on tlie Directory for Worship be di-
rected to report to the next meeting of the Assembly. Vol. I, p. 499,
18G3.
[This committee reported to the next Assembly, when the following
action was taken :]
Resolved, That the draft of a Directory for Worship be, in general,
approved, and that it be hereby overtured to Presbyteries and Sessions,
■with instructions to report their mind thereon to the next Assembly,
particularly stating whether they approve of it so far as to be willing to
adopt, yea or nay. Vol. II, p. 27, 1864.
[Oathis overture, twenty-four Presbyteries reported yeas. 111, nays
45. The following action was taken :]
Resolved, 1. That the amendments in duplicate, suggested by Pres-
byteries, be placed in tl)e hands of the committee having charge of the
work of preparation of the overture, and that said committee be directed
to take action on these recommendations, and submit to the Presby-
teries the Directory as amended, for api)roval or disapproval.
2. That said committee be directed to publish said overture that it
may be distributed through the church by the first of September.
4. That Presbyteries are hereby directed to report to the next Gen-
eral Assembly the number of votes, yea or nay, on said overture. Vol.
II, p. 160, 1865.
[On this overture thirty-two Presbyteries reported the following
vote: ayes, 299; nays, 72. The following action was taken :]
Resolved, That the draft of the Directory for Worship be recommitted
to the committee appointed to prepare it, with instruction to re-write
the book, with reference to the amendments that have been suggested
by the Presbyteries and with special view to making it more unique
and systematic ; and that they publish the result of their labors not
later than September 1st, 1866, and that the new draft be, and hereby
is overtured to the Presbyteries, in order that they may vote aye or no
upon it, and report to the next General Assembly. Vol. II, p. 295,
1866.
Resolved, That inasmuch as the Directory for Worship, overtured
by the last General Assembly, has received a large majority of the votes
of the church, as reported to the Assembly, it is hereby declared to be
EDUCATION, HOARD OF. 143
of authority in tlie cliurch until another shall have been adopted. Vol.
II, p. 301, 18GG.
[On account of some dissatisfaction witli the Directory, especially
with the article on instrumental music, the followin^r action was taken:]
Resolved, 1. That a committee be appointed with instructions to re-
write the Directory for Worship with reference to the amendments sug-
gested by Presbyteries, having special reference to greater uniformity
and system in the work, and tliat they publish the result of their labors
not later than P'ebruary 1st, 18G8, and tliat the new draft be, and it
hereby is overtured to the Presbyteries in order that they may vote aye
or nay upon it, and report the ayes and nays to the next General
Assembly.
2. That tlie article on instrumental music in tlie present Directory for
Worship is liereby made a special overture, and Presbyteries are directed
to vote aye or nay upon it, and report the ayes and nays to the next
General Assembly. Vol. II, p. 408, 18G7.
[On this overture the vote stood: Ayes, 229; nays, 58 ; when the
Directory for Worship was declared by the Assembly to be constitution-
ally adopted. Vol. 1I.[). 512, 18G8. On instrumental music,see p. 112.]
[For the Directory for Worship, see Digest, p. 50.]
2. Amendment to the Directory for ^or^hvp.— Resolved, 2.
That this Assembly hereby ratifies the decision of tlie Presbyteries, and
declares Sec. 5, Art. 2, Chap. 3, of the Directory for Worship [on in-
strumental music] repealed. Vol. V, p. 525, 1882. [The vote on the
above overture was: Ayes, 620^; nays, 612^; not voting, 9.]
XXXVI. EDUCATION, BOARD OF.
1. Charter of the Board of Education.— [Authorized by the
General Assembly, Vol. I, p. 484, 1863, Vol. IV, p. 22, 1874, granted
under a general law of the State of Illinois, Nov. 1, 1876, a^nd ap-
proved by the Assembly, Vol. IV, p. 449, 1877.]
I. Petition of the Board for Incorporatiox State of Illinois,
Warren County, 5s — We, the undersigned, being citizens of the United
States, desiring to form an association not for pecuniary profit, pursuant
to an Act of the General Assembly of the State of Illinois, entitled,
"Ar Act concerning corporations,"" approved April 18th, 1?72, do
hereby certify that t)ie following is the true statement of the name or
title by which said association shall be known in law, the particular
business and object for which it is formed, the number of its managers,
and the names of the same selected for the first year of its existence,
viz. :
1. Name or Title — The Board of Education of the United Pres-
byterian Church of North America.
II. Particular Business and Object. 1, To cherish and diffuse
an educational spirit throughout the church.
2. To co-operate with the Presbyteries, Synods and General As-
sembly of the said United Presbyterian Church of North America in
the establishment of institutions of learning.
3. To assist in the education of pious and promising young men in
their literary and theological education for the ministry.
144 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
4. To concert and execute such measures as may be judged proper
for increasing the funds of the Board, and promoting the general cause.
III. Number of Managers. — Five.
IV. Names of Managers Selected for the First Year —
John Scott, David A. Wallace, W. T. Campbell, Ed. F. Reid, and G.
D. Henderson. [This petition was acknowledged by Wm. Marshall,
Esq., notary public of Warren county, State of Illinois, October 31st,
1876.]
II. Certificate of Incorporation from the Secretary of
State of the State of Illinois — State of Illinois, Department of
State, Geo. H. Harlow, Secretary of State. To all to whom these Pres-
ents shall come, greeting: — Whereas, a certificate, duly signed and ac-
knowledged, having been filed in the office of the Secretary of State on
the first day of November, A. D., 1876, for the orgranization of the
Board of Education of the United Presbyterian Church of North
America, under and in accordance with tlie provisions of "An Act con-
cerning corporations," approved April 18th, 1872, and in force July 1st,
1872, and "An Act to revise the law in relation to universities, colleges,
academies and other institutions of learning," approved March 24th,
1874, and in force July 1st, 1874, a copy of which certificate is hereto
attached; now, tlierefore, I, George H. Harlow, Secretary of State of
the State of Illinois, by virtue of the powers and duties vested in me by
law, do hereby certify that the said "The Board of Education of the
United Presbyterian Church of North America," is a legally organized
corporation under the laws of this State.
In testimony whereof I hereby set my hand and cause to be affixed
the great seal of State.
Done at the city of Springfield this first day of November, in the
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy-six, and of
the independence of the United States the one hundred and first.
George H. Harlow,
Secretary of State.
[The foregoing instruments of writing were recorded in the office of
the recorder of deeds for the count}"^ of Warren and State of Illinois, on
November 4th, 1876, in Vol. 61, of deeds, page 565.]
III. Action of the Board •with Reference to this Act of
Incorporation Whereas, the United Presbyterian General Assem-
bly of 1874 directed her Boards, which had not already been incorpor-
ated, to become incorporated, under the laws of the State where such
Board is located, and whereas members of this Board have secured its
incorporation under the laws of this State; therefore,
Resolved, 1. That tlie legal document of incorporation be copied into
and made a part of the records of this Board.
2. That this Board thus becoming ojdy a body corporate or politic,
but not changed in its relations to the General Assembly of the United
Presbyterian Church of North America, hereby recognizes as binding
on it the rules and regulations which have been given it by the said
General Assembly ; also, its own actions and obligations, assumed whilst
in a non-corporate state.
2. Constitution of the Board of Education. — [A constitution for
the Board of Education was adopted, Vol. I, p. 49, 1859, but it was
EDUCATION, BOAKD OF. 145
■superseded by the general constitution of the Boards, and the following
new constitution :]
1. This Board shall be styled "The Board of Education of the
United Presbyterian Church of North America," and siiall be located
in Monmouth, Illinois.
2. It shall be the object and duty of tiiis Board to cherish and diffuse
an educational spirit tliroughout the church ; to co-operate with Presby-
teries, and Synods, and the Assembly, in the establishment of institu-
tions of learning ; and to assist in tiie education of pious and [)romising
young men for the ministry. It shall have power to devise and cany
out such measures as may be proper for tlie promotion of the cause en-
trusted to its care. Vol. IV, p. 2;j, 1874.
3. Regulations of the Board of Education. — [The regulations
of the Board of Education were approved by the Ai^sembly, Vol. I, p.
■222, 1861, and publisiied. Vol. 1, p. 248, ISGl, and Voll II, p. 145,
1865. They are as follows:]
Meetings of the Board The Board holds four reaular meetings
annually, viz.: On the first Tuesdays of August, Novembei-, February
and May. Special meetings are held when necessary. The place of
meeting is the First United Presbyterian Church, Monmouth, Illinois.
Grants of Money — Pecuniary aid shall be granted young men
only in accordance with the following princi|)les :
1. All api)lications from theological students made at any meeting
shall be first acted on, and then applications from literary students.
2. Testimonials shall certify that the applicant is under the ciire of
some Presbytery of the United Presbyterian Chui'ch, that he intends to
enter the ministry, that he possesses liopeful piety, that his talents are
such as to qualify iiim for usefulness in the ministry, and that he needs
the sum asked. Such testimonials shall be given b}' the order of the
Presbytery to which the applicant belongs, and be signed by the mod-
erator and clerk. Under extraordinary circumstances, testimonials of
three members of the Presbytery, of the above tenor, may be accepted;
but such testimonials shall in all cases be substituted by regular Pres-
byterial testimonials as soon as practicable. New testimonials shall be
furnished every year that aid is granted.
3. Grants exceeding one hundred dollars per annum shall not be
made to any one individual, nor be continued more than four years, be-
ginning with the senioi' year in college.
4. Grants shall be due and payable to theological students in three
installments, viz.: One-third on the first of September, one-third on the
first of December and one-third on the first of March; and to literary
students in four installments, one-fourth on each of the days mentioned,
and one-fourth on the first of June.
5. Beneficiaries shall give obligations of the following tenor: ''I do
agree that if I do not in due course of time enter the ministry of the
United Presbyterian Church, or, having entered it, do not continue in
the same, the sum above mentioned shall then become due and payable
at the pleasure of the Board, with interest at the rate of six per cent,
per annum from date."
6. No grant shall be made except by the Board at a regular or special
•meeting. The regular time for acting on applications shall be the
10
146 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
August meeting, but grants may be made at any regular or special meet-
ing duly called.
7. While in all ordinary cases the Presbyteries must, in the very
nature of the case, be responsible for the character of the beneficiaries
of the Board, and ^vhile Presbyteries are urgently solicited to be careful
to recommend only such young men as have the prescribed qualifica-
tions; yet the Board sliall not knowingly furnish aid to any young man
who lacks the [jrescribed qualifications, even though he be recommended
by a Presbytei-y.
In all ordinary cases, the Board should require its beneficiaries to at-
tend some institution of learning, instead of pursuing their studies pri-
vately; yet the assembly judges that in this matter something should be
left to the discretion of tlie Board.
Especial attention is invited to the following directions:
1. Let young men desiring aid make application directly to the Pres-
bytery for a certificate; if it be impracticable to lay the matter before
the Presbytery in season, let a certificate be obtained from tliree mem-
bers, and then, at tlie next meeting of the Presbytery, let a regular
certificate be obtained.
2. Let the certificate be forwarded directly to the corresponding sec-
retary of the Board, accompanied by a statement of the following facts:
1. The name in full of the beneficiary. 2. His post-office, town, county
and State. 3. His standing as a student; if literary, of what class; if
theological, of what year. 4. The college or seminary he purposes at-
tending.
3. Let the applications be forwarded in time to be laid before the
Board at their meeting in August, if possible.
4. Let Presbyteries be careful to certify all that is required by the
constitution of the Board. No grants can be made without certificates.
Applications made in regular form to the Board will, in all cases, re-
ceive prompt attention. Many vexatious and unnecessary delays grow
out of inattention to the regulations of the Assembly, which the Board
cannot disregard.
5. Presbyteries should recommend no one as a beneficiary who does
not need and deserve assistance. Vol. II, p. 145, 1865.
[These regulations were amended as follows:]
Resolved, 3. That the third rule adopted by the General Assembly of
1861 be changed so as to read thus: "The maximum of contributions
to any one student be $1,000, and that it be left to the Presbytery and
the Board to determine during what time this money shall be expended,
and that contributions to any one student for one year shall not exceed
$200." Vol. II, p. 145, 1865.
Resolved, 3. That Articles iii and iv of the By-Laws, as amended by
the Board, be published with the minutes of this Assembly.
Article hi — Grants of Money 1. Other things being equal,
applications in behalf of students shall have preference according to
their advancement in their course of study.
2. The General Assembly has ordered the use of three series of ques-
tions, viz.: Tho first to be answered by the Presbytery to which the
applicant belongs; the second by his instructors, literary or theological;
and the third by himself. The one answered by the applicant should
EDUCATION, BOARD OF. ] 47
be sent to his Presbytery and retained by it ; the other two should Ije
sent to the secretary of the Board.
3. When a young man who has ah'eady been received as a bene-
ficiary is recommended by his Presbyteiy for renewed assistance, an
ofRcial statement to the effect, that the applicant is recommended as
before will be sufficient. This shall be done every year that aid is
granted.
4. The Assembly forbids that grants exceeding two hundred dollars
per annum shall be made to any one individual. Owing to scarcity of
funds, the Boai'd does not, under any ordinary circumstances, grant
more than one hundred and fifty dollars j>er annum, except that seniors
in colleges may receive twenty-five dollars extra, to be paid in connec-
tion with the last installment. No one shall receive more than one
thousand dollars in tlie aggregate.
5. Grants shall be due and payable to theological students, &c. See
above, rule 4.
G. Beneficiaries shall give obligations of the following tenor: "I
have received from the Board of Education of the United Presbyterian
Church of North America dollars; and I hereby agree, that if I
do not in due course of time enter the ministry of the United Presby-
terian Church, or do at any time voluntarily abandon the same, the sum
above mentioned shall then become due and payable at the pleasure of
the Board, with interest at the rate of six per cent, per annum from
date."
7. While in all ordinary cases the Presbyteries must in the very
nature of the case, &c. See above, rule 7.
AiiTiCLE IV — Ok Warrants, Notes, &c 1. At each quarterly
meeting, a warrant of the treasurer, signed by the president and secre-
tary, authorizing him to pay to parties therein named, the sums set op-
posite to their names, shall be made out.
2. The treasurer shall pay the sums named in the warrants, a3
therein directed, and take notes from beneficiaries, and receipts from
all other persons to whom money may be paid. The appropriations
to beneficiaries, together with notes ready for signature, shall be re-
mitted to the presiding officers of the institutions at which they may be
in attendance, who are expected to pay out the same, secure the signa-
tures of beneficiaries to the notes, and return the same to the treas-
urer without unnecessary delay. The warrants of the Board, to-
gether with the receipts and notes, shall constitute the vouchers of the
treasurer.
3. The treasurer shall submit to the Board, at each quarterly meet-
ing, a statement of the receipts from the several Presbyteries during
the quarter immediately preceding, and of the balance in tlie treasury,
subject to the order of the Board.
4. At each May meeting, an auditing committee shall be appointed,
who shall serve for one year. The treasuj'er, at the close of each quar-
ter, counting from May first, shall submit his books and vouchers
for the quarter then closing, to the auditing committee, who shall
examine and report on the same to the Board at its next quarterly
meeting.
5. At the close of the financial year, the treasurer shall submit his an-
148 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
uual report to the General Assembly to the same committee, v/ho shall
return the same with their certificate to the Board at its May meeting.
6. The treasurer shall publish, at the close of each quarter, in tlie
[papers of the churcli]. a detailed statement of his receipts during the
quarter preceding. Vol. Ill, p. 540, 1873.
[These Regulations were again amended as follows :]
7. That every United Presbyterian theological student, in actual at-
tendance at eitlier of our seminaries, shall receive $100 per year, with-
out making formal application to liis Presbytery, but shall be required
to conform to the rule touciiing the use of tobacco, and to refund the
money so received, if lie fail to enter and remain in the ministry of the
United Presbyterian Church. Vol. VII, ]). 28, 1888.
[The Board reported that the funds at command would not be suffi-
cient for tiie application of the above rule, and the Assembly adopted
the following :]
1. That aid be given only to those who are in actual need of assist-
ance, and that tiiis aid be given to theological students, and to literary
students of the Senior year who are intending to enter the ministry.
2. Students receiving aid must be taken under tlie carp of Presbytery,
and be in attendance at one of our denominational institutions.
3. The regular appropriation of the Assembly shall not exceed $100,
but the Board may have liberty of granting more, in exceptional cases.
4. An application for aid may be made by any student, eitlier
through the Presbytery to which lie belongs, or directly to the Board,
which shall have power to act on all applications.
5. The regulations adopted by the Assembly must be observed by
the students as a condition of receiving assistance.
We would recommend the following form of application :
I. Name and address of student.
II. Name of Presbytery.
III. Theological student — The college of which you are a graduate.
Literary student — 1 am a member of the Senior class of ■
college.
IV. What seminary do you expect to attend during the year?
V. What amount will "be necessary to meet your actual expenses?
VI. Do you promise to be faithful in maintaining the principles pro-
fessed by the United Presbyterian Church?
VII. Will you obey the requirement o1 the General Assembly that
♦'No student "addicted to the use of tobacco, in any form, shall be
granted aid by this Board ?"
VIII. Do you agree to refund the money received if you fail to enter,
or should at any time voluntarily forsake the ministry of the United
Presbyterian Church?
Signed
Date
This is to certify that Mr. was on the day
of 18 — received as a student of theology (or, literary student
of the Senior year) by the Presbytery of -.
This certificate to be signed by the clerk of presbytery or the pastor
of the congregation of which the student is a member. Vol. VII, pp.
229, 281, 1889.
EDUCATIOY, BOARD OF. 140
[The General Assembly, Vol. "VII, p. 432, 1889, appointed a com-
mittee to devise a plan whereby ample aid may be furnished each
student who may need help to prosecute his theological education in our
own seminaries without encumbrance of debt at its completion. The
committee submitted to the next Assembly the following report, which
was adopted :]
1. That tlie regular appropriation of the Assembly shall not exceed
fifty dollars to licensed students of tlie third year; one hundred dollars
to unlicensed seniors and to students of the second year. Students of
the first year may receive one hundred and twenty-five dollars.
2. If at any time tlie resources of the Board are not sufficient to pay
the full appropriation to all students, the chief reduction is to be in the
amount i)aid to the unlicensed seniors, and students of the second year.
3. Tliat the rule now governing the Board, viz.: "An application for
aid may be made by any student, either through the Presbytery to
which he belongs, or directly to the Board, which shall have ])ower to
act on all applications, when certified by tlie Clerk of Presbytery, or
the pastor of the congregation of which the student is a member;" be so
amended as to read, ''Aid may be secured on recommendation of the
Presbytery to which the student belongs, or of the faculty of the sem-
inary which he is attending, in connection with, and when certified by,
the Clerk of iiis Presbytery." Vol. VII, pp. G23, 731, 1891.
In order that the greatest good may be done to the greatest number
of young men, therefore.
Resolved, That this Assembly direct the Board of Education, when
granting aid to students, to take into account the amount received by
students from the other funds, so that no student shall receive aid in
excess of one hundred and fifty dollars each year. Vol. VII, p. 653,
1891.
4. Aid to Literary Students.— [The Assembly, Vol. V, p. 39,
1879, reaffirmed the action of 1875 limiting the beneficiaries of the
Board to theological students. The Board was authorized to grant aid
to literary students of the senior year, to an amount not exceeding one
hundred dollars. Vol. VI, p. SO,' 1884.]
5. That this General Assembly urge Presbyteries, recommending
students to the Board, not to present the names of students, who are
undergraduates and j)ersons not intending to graduate, unless the cases
are rarely exceptional. Vol. VI, p. GG3, 1887.
4. Literary students of the Junior and Senior years, intending to enter
the ministry of the United Presbyterian Church, when properly certi-
fied as needing aid, may be granted a sum not exceeding one hundred
dollars, so soon as the proceeds of the Speers estate shall have been dis-
tributed. Vol. VII, p. 434, 1890.
[A memorial from the Presbytery of College Springs, asked the
General Assembly "to direct the Board of Education under its rules to
pay the tuition of literary students in the collegiate department, who are
intending to enter the ministry, and to grant no other aid to literary
students."]
Resolved, That aid be granted to all students who have passed the
freshman class, as the Board may be able. Vol. VII, p. 652, 1891.
5. Aid in Proportion to Attendance. — Resolved, 3. That the
].')() DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
aiKOunt paid to eacli student shall be proportionate to the time of his
actual attendance at the Seminary during the session. Vol. Y, p. 357,
1881.
6. Beneficiaries may not use Tobacco.— i?eso/wc?, 2 That no
student addicted to the use of tobacco in any form shall be granted aid
by this Board. Vol. V, p. 39, 1879.
2. That the refusal of tlie Board to aid young men preparing for the
holv ministry, who are known to violate their solemn jjledges by the use
of tobacco, is especially worthy of endorsement. Vol. VI, p. 225, 1885.
4. That the Board be directed to continue the rule that beneficiaries
shall not use tobacco. Vol. VI, p. GG3, 1887.
7. Faculties to Report Observance of Regulations.— ^eso^t'ei,
6. That a rule be adopted, asking tlie faculty of tlie seminary or college
to report to the Board, before each payment, respecting the observance
of the regulations adopted by the Assembly for the government of stu-
dents receiving aid. Vol. VII, p. 28, 1888.
8. Married Beneficiaries. — Resolved, That in case a beneficiary
enters the marriMge relation, aid may be continued or not, at the discre-
tion of the Board. Vol. III. p. 148, 1870.
Resolved, That the Board be directed to make no discrimination among
students on account ol' their marital relations, unless these increase the
demands upon tin' Boai'd. Vol. III. p. 418. 1872.
9. Competitive Examination of Beneficiaries. — Resolved, Tliat
to secni-e the end ?c)u^lit. llie Boai'd is directed to provide and carry
into effect, at as eaily a period as possible, a scheme of competitive ex-
aminations. Vol.'IA', p. 45. 1874.
10. Beneficiaries to be Reported. — Resolved, That the Board be
directed to report every year to the General Assembly the names of the
students under their care, for the information of the Assembly but not
to be published in the minutes. Vol. IV, ]i. 317, 1876.
1 1. Presbyteries to Exercise Care of Young" Men. — Resolved,
That the Presbyteries he re(pi<'Sted to give s])ecia! care to the training
of young men under tijeir care. Vol. V, p. 735, 1883.
12. Aid to Literary Institutions. [The Board of Education was
instructed to report to the Assembly what grants of funds may, and
ought to, be made from the funds under its control in aid of academical
institutions. Vol. V, p. 739, 1883.
Tlie following regulations uere adopted:]
The Board shall expend these funds according to the following rules
and regulations:
{a) Aid siiall be granted to academies, only so far as the supplement-
ing of salaries of teachers is concerned, the rooms and grounds being fur-
nished by the community in which the academy receiving aid is situated.
(/>) For the present, the Board shall not grant more than five hun-
dred dollars in one year to any academy.
{c) It shall be the duty of the Board to recommend, and, as far as
possil)le, secure the appointment of competent teachers.
(c?) The Bo;ird shall report annually to tlie Assembly all its proceed-
ings in the way of aiding academies, specifying the academies aided,
the amount granted to each, the number of students in attendance, and
other details.
KDLCATION, BOARD OF. 151
(e) All the proceedings of the Board in tliis particular shall be sub-
ject to the control of tiie Assembly. Vol. VI, p. 30, 1884.
1. The academies receiving aid from the Board must be incorporated
institutions under the management of a board of trustees, in distinction
from a private or individual enterprise.
2. That the academy should own and occupy, or give assurance to the
Board of the speedy erection of buildings, suited to the purposes of the
school.
3. Institutions receiving aid must be under the control of a board of
trustees or managers, the majority of whom shall be in connection with
the United Presbyterian Church.
4. Report as to the work of tiie school, number of teachers and pupils
and general management, should be made to the Board of Education
annually, not later tiian the 2Utli of April. Vol. VI, p. 662, 1887.
13. Aid to Colleges in Exceptional Cases.— [The Assembly
made a grant of live liundn-d dollars to Tarkio Ctdlege for one year,
Vol. VI, p. 22G, 1885, and a similar grant to Cooper Memorial Col-
lege, in bothcase'? "with tlie distinct understanding that this is not to
be regarded as establishing a precedent." Vol. Vll, p. 229, 1889.]
14. Academies to Seek Endowment.— ^eso^ie^i, 7. That we re-
commend academies to seek endowment, and thereby ensure a prolonged
as well as useful existence. Vol. VI, p. 663, 1887.'
15. Educational Institutions to Report to the Board.— i?e-
solved, 5. That our seminaries, collf cres and academies be directed to re-
port to the Assembly, througli the Board of Education, the number of
instructors, number of students, the work and needs of the institution,
the contributions received from the Church, and other matters pertain-
ing to the educational work of the Churcli. Vol. VII, p. 28, 1888.
[Memorials were presented to tiie Assembly from the Boards of
Trustees of Monmouth and Westminster Colleges asking to report di-
rectly to the Assembly. A paper granting the request and authorizing
representatives of these colleges to appear in the Assembly and be heard
in their behalf, was laid on tlie table until the next meeting of the Gen-
eral Assembly. Vol. VII, pp. 203, 227, 1889. The institutions asked
and obtained leave to witlulraw their memorial. Vol. VII, p. 409,
1890.]
16. National Aid for Education. — The officers of the Assembly
were directed to sign and forward in tlie name of the Assembly, the fol-
lowing petition to the Senate of the United States :
To t/te Honorable Senate of (he United States : We, the undersigned
citizens of the United States, profoundly concerned for the passage of
the Blair Educational Bill, do respectfully entreat your honorable body
to reconsider and enact it into a law. Vol. VII, p. 410, 1890.
17. Day of Prayer for Colleges. — [For mnny years the Assem-
bly designated a day of prayer for colleges.]
Resolved, That the last Wednesday of January, 1892, and the same
day of each succeeding year, until otherwise ordered, be set apart as
the Day of Prayer for Colleges. Vol. VII, p. 656, 1891.
152 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY,
XXXVII. ELECTIVE FRANCHISE.
1. Pastors Should Instruct Their Congregations in This
Duty. — Resolved. That it is the duty of the pastor to instruct the peo-
ple ot his charge, in rehition to the responsibility which rests upon them
in tlie exercise of tlie elective franchise, as well as with regard to all
other obligations which rest upon them as Christians and as citizens, as
circumstances mnv require. Vol. I, p. 480. 1803.
2. The Elective Franchise Should be Extended to the Col-
ored Race. — 1. As this Ciiurch has deemed it a part of hermission in
times past to " open her mouth for the dumb." she should labor still to
set the black man right in view of all his wrongs.
2. That class legislation is a curse. to any country, and we condemn
as anti-Christian the silly notion that the circumstance of color should,.
to any extent or in any sense, limit or enlarge the apj)lication of the
sacred principles of human liberty.
3. While we deem it alike indispensable to the safety and happiness
both of blacks and whites to fully enfranchise the colored race, espec-
ially in view of his loyalty and acts of valor done in our defence, it be-
comes a claim of clearest moral justice.
4. From what we have seen and known of prejudice against the col-
ored race, we have reason to expect to this specific point of reformation
deteimined and persevering opposition; and hence that our people be
carefully warned to take no part in such opposition, "lest haply they be
found figiiting against God."
5. Believing that the circumstances of our country are such as are
contemplated in our constitution, which is as follows, Chap. XXXI,
Sec. 5 : *' Synods and councils are to handle or conclude nothing but
that which is ecclesiastical, and are not to intermeddle with civil
afiairs, which concern the commonwealth, unless by way of humble pe-
tition, in cases extraordinary," we recommend the people under our
care to petition Congress for such legislation as shall secure, according
to the preceding declarations, the rights of the colored race. Vol. II, p.
166, 1805. [A dissent, with reasons, was entered against this action
of the Assembly. Vol. II, p. 107, 1805.]
XXVIII. EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.
The World's Evangelical Alliance. — Resolved, That while the
Divine direction and blessing are devoutly desired for the Alliance,
in common with every movement that has for its end the promotion of
the well-being of men and the glory of God ; yet the General As-
sembly does not deem it expedient or important that it make any
appointment of delegates or representatives to attend it. Vol. Ill, p.
525, 1873.
XXXIX. EVANGELISTS.
1. Unlicensed Students as Evangelists. — Resolved, 5. That
. . . our Presbyteries be recommended to fully employ their un-
licensed theological students in evangelistic work during their vaca-
tions. Vol. VII, p. 460, 1890.
EVANS' APPEAL. • 153
2. Institute for Training Evangelists.— [The General Assembly
— 1890 — appointed a committee on tlie subject of training members of
the Church for evangelistic labor:]
The committee reported ; and the Assembly adopted the following
plan for evangelistic training:
1. That a Bible Institute be held in some central locality for the
benefit of such members of our Church as may desire to fit themselves
for more effective Christian labor than they are at present able to ac-
complish.
2. That such Institute be held annually in the month of July or
August, for a term of not less than two nor more tlian four weeks.
3. That should such Institute prove successful, it be removed from
year to year to different sections of the Church, that the largest number
may enjoy its benefits; or that two or more Institutes be held in the
same year.
4. That the course of instruction embrace the following principal
topics: (1) The English Bible; (2) The Plan of Salvation"; (3) The
Distinctive Principles of our Church ; (4) Methods of Ciiristian Work.
5. That a committee of three be apjiointed wlio shall have charge of
this matter, designate the place of holding the Institute, select the
teachers, and announce the opening of the term of study. Vol. VII, p.
629, 1891.
3. Training in the Seminaries for Evangelistic Work.— The
General Assembly appointed a committee "to consider plans lor secur-
ing additional training of students in the seminaries lor evangelistic
■work, and report upon the same to the Synods having oversightof the
seminaries and to the next General Assembly." Vol. VII, n. 653,
1891. ' 1 ,
XL. EVANS' APPEAL.
[The appeal of Rev. J. C. Evans from the decision of a commission
of the Synod of Iowa, was referred to a commission consisting of eight
ministers and seven elders, to meet at Monmouth, 111., on the second
Tuesday of October, 1883, with full power to take up and try the case,
and instructed to submit a full record of its ))roceedings and findings to
the next General Assembly.] Vol. V, p. 721, 1883.
In the matter of the appeal of Rev. J. C. Evans vs. The Synod of
Iowa.
In the above entitled cause the Committee on Judiciary respectfully
report :
That on June 21st. 1881, Julia E. J. Evans filed a Libel with the
Presbytery of Omaha, accusing the Rev. J. C. Evans of dishonesty j
that on March 29th, 1882, the Presbytery of Omaha declared the
charges contained in said Libel inadmissible; that thereafter the com-
plainant, Julia E. J. EvariS, prosecuted an appeal to the Synod of
Iowa; that said Synod appointed a commission to try and issue the
case ; that said commission of the Synod of Iowa, at a meeting thereof
in Indianola, Iowa, on November 14, 1882, found tlie said the Rev. J.
C. Evans guilty of the 1st, 2d, 3d and 4lh specifications in said Libel,
and directed the " Presbytery of Omaha to suspend the said Rev. J. C.
Evans from the Gospel Ministry and from the sealing ordinances of the
]o4 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Cliurcli ;" tliat thereafter tlie said the Rev. J. C. Evans appealed from
the finding of said commission to tlie General Assembly; that the
Twenty-fifth General Assembly appointed a commission to try and issue
the case.
We further report that said commission appointed by the Twentvfifth
General Assembly conducted all its proceedings according to the rules
of this court ; and that said commission did not exceed its powers, and
in October, 1883, adjudged "that the appeal be nut sustained."
We therefore recommend that the judgment of said commission be
confirmed, and that the records of its proceedings b(i entered upon and
become part of the records of this court, and that the Presbytery of
Omaha be directed to execute the judgment of the commission of the
Synod of Iowa, upon receipt of a certified copy of the proceedings of
this court in the cause. A'ol. VI, p. 1.3, 1881. [For proceedings of
the above commission, see Vol. VI, p. 44, 1884.]
XLI. FAMILY AVORSHir AND INSTRUCTION.
Resolved, 5. That our people be exhorted to the regular observance
of praise in family worsliip, and to increased regard for the sanctity of
the Lord's day and to family instruction. Vol. V, p. 537, 1882.
XLII. FINANCE.
1. Standing Committee on Finance. — See Rules of Order.
Resolved, C). Tiiat tlie following be adopted as a Standing Rule :
All resolutions offered in tlie General Assemlily, and all propositions
coming from others than Boards and Standing Committees, appropriat-
ing money, shall first be referred to the Committee of Finance, to be
examined, and their judgment reported before final action. Vol. V, p.
358, 1881.
2. Permanent Committee on Finance. — [The Committee on
Benevolence rt'|)orteil :]
Resolved, That the Assembly appoint annually a Permanent Com-
mittee on Finance ; said committee to be understood to have advisory,
and not executive powers; and request said committee to procure, or
prepare, and have published, as soon as j^ossible, and in such form as
may be most instructive, an appeal on behalf of systematic beneficence;
and it shall he the duty of said Finance Committee to report to the As-
sembly from time to time, such suggestions as may tend to perfect and
develop our financial strength. Vol. V, p. 200, 1880.
Resolved, 1. That this Assembly appoint a Permanent Committee on
Finance, to consist of five persons, one, the cliairman, to continue for
five years, one for four years, one for three years, one for two years,
and the other for one year ; and that hereafter one shall be appointed
each year to fill the vacancy made by the time of one expiring.
2. It shall be the duty of this committee to keep in close correspond-
ence with the Secretaries of the Boards of our Church, so as to keep
themselves thoroughly informed in regard to the operations, wants and
necessities of each Board. Vol. V, p. 302. 1881. [The committee
was enlarged to consist of seven members. Vol. V, p. 540, 1882.] See
Assembly Monthly.
FINANCIAL AGENTS. 15.J
[Upon the transfer of the Assembly Monthly to the Board of Publica-
tion, the committee was discliarged with thanks "for the faithful man-
ner in which their duties have been performed." Vol. VI, p. 37,
1884.J
3. A Better System of Finance. — [Sundry memorials were pre-
sented to the Assembly, asking i'or a better system of finance. A com-
mittee was appointed to prepare a system, with a view to the correction,
or at least the mitigation, of the evils dejilored ; to publish a prelim-
inary report for the consideration of the Presbyteries, and, in the light
of their suggestions, to prepare a final report for the Assemblv. Vol.
VII, p. 045'; 1891.]
XLIII. FINANCIAL AGENTS.
1. Election of Financial Agents. — Resolved, ;>. That the dele-
gates from each Presbytery shall nominate, and tlie Assembly annually
appoint, a membei- of each Presbvtery financial agent for the same.
Vol. I, p. 117, 18G(>.
Resolved. That the clerks of Presbyteries be instructed to furnish the
principal clerk, previously to the meeting of the Assembly, with a list of
nominations for financial agents and superintendents of missions, with
their post-office address, and that the clerk be instructed to report this
list to the General Assembly foi- confirmation. Vol. Ill, p. 28, 1869.
2. Duties of Financial Agents. — Resolved, 5. That the delegates
from each Presbytery shall nominate, and the Assembly annually ap-
point, a member of each Presbytery financial agent for the same, who
shall be the medium of correspondence between the Boards and the
Presbyteries, and who shall be charged with the special duty of seeing
to it that the will of the Assembly is fully carried out in each Presby-
tery. Vol. I, p. 117, 1860.
Resolved, 2. * * * That financial agents be prompt in reporting to
their Presbyteries and publishing in the papers, the contributions they
have received, as well as from what congi-egations, and that they for-
ward the funds on hand to the various treasurers at least quarterly, and
oftener, if possible; and that Presbyteries see to it that these agents per-
form their duties promptly, and also that non-contributing congregation^
be called to account lor their neglect, and that pastors, .Sessions and
people be urged to meet their obligations to sustain our benevolent work
at home and abroad. Vol. IV, p. 320, 1876.
It is submitted, that the financial agent is the Assembly's officer, and
in order to define the duties of the position, the following is recom-
mended :
1. To seek the counsel and co-operation of Presbyteries, by laying
before them the work to be done, and securing, as far as possible, such
wise and judicious action as will enlist the Sessions and people in the
work.
2. To kee]i before Sessions and people, by correspondence and per-
sonal intercourse, the workings and wants of the Boards.
3. To endeavor to have each congregation adopt some efficient plan
for raising the funds of the church, recognizing the fact, that pastors
and Sessions are divinely constituted agencies to do this work in each
conirresration.
156 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
4. To call attention of Sessions to any remissness on the part of any
congregation in their contribution to any of the funds.
5. To report to each regular meeting of Presbytery the condition of
the financial work in its several congregations.
6. To secure general conferences on the work of the church in the
hands of the several Boards.
7. To have their accounts audited by the Presbyteries each year.
Vol. IV, p. 452, 1877.
1. In view of the many delinquencies reported, that all Financial
Agents and Presbyteries be and they hereby are directed to urge upon
all our people and congregations to make some contributions to each
and all of the Boards of the church annually, and rej)ort annually to the
Assembly on the subject, in the hope that the present number of delin-
quent congregations and Presbyteries may annually grow less. Vol. V,
p. 198, 1880.
Resolved, That Financial Agents be urged to attend all meetings of
Presbytery, as the Assembly's officers, and be diligent in the discharge
of their duties as laid down bv former Assemblies. Vol. VI, p. 238,
1885. Also ]). 432, 188G.
3. Financial Agents to Apportion the Funds Among the
Congregations. — Resolved, That the financial agents be directed at
an early day to api)ortion the sum required from their Presbyteries
among the congregations, settled and vacant, and urge upon them the
great importance of complvinjr with the above requisitions. Vol. II, p.
28, 1864.
4. All Contributions to be Made Through the Financial
Agents. — Resolved, That congregations or individuals, forwarding
subscriptions to the various Boards, should do so through the financial
agents to their respective Presbyteries, and that the treasurers of such
Boards acknowledge the same as received from such Presbyteries. Vol.
II, p. 162, 1865.
Resolved, 10. That all the contributions of churches. Sabbath -schools
and societies shall be made through the financial agents of Presby-
teries. Vol. Ill, p. 535, 1873.
Resolved, 6. That congregations be instructed to forward their con-
tributions through the financial agents of the Presbyteries, and that
the financial agents be instructed to report, when requested by the
Board to do so, the amount contributed by each congregation. Vol.
IV, p. 302, 1873.
[The Missionary societies were exempted from this rule.]
Resolved, 1. That the resolution [6, above,] directing that all contri-
butions shall be made through financial agents of Presbyteries, is hereby
changed so as no longer to apply to Missionary societies, and that the
Assembly recommend that these societies make all their contributions
for missionary purposes through tlieir own Presbyterial Treasurers,
Vol. VII, p. 220, 1889.
5. Financial Agents to Acknowledge the Moneys Received
by Them. — Resolved, That it be the duty of the financial agents to
acknowledge such subscriptions in the local papers of the church. Vol.
II, p. 162, 1865.
Resolved, 3. * * * * That financial agents be directed to ac-
riNANCIAL AGENTS. 157
knowledge, by publishing in detail all moneys received by them, and
that it be no part of the duty of the General Treasurer to publish re-
ceipts of funds. Vol. Ill, J). 416, 1872.
Resolved, 2. * * * * Tiiat financial agents be prompt in re-
porting to their Presbyteries, and publishing in the papers, the contri-
butions they iiave received, as well as from what conf^ref^ations. Vol.
IV, p. 320, 187G.
G. Blanks for Financial KgQntS.— Resolved, 9. That blank forms
be prepared by tiie Assembly for tiie use of financial agents in remitting
moneys to the different treasurers of the Boards and other funds of the
Church, with directions as to the manner of using the same. Vol. Ill,
J). o3o, 1873.
8. That the clerks of Assembly be authorized and directed to procure
a uniform set of books and blanks for reports, for the use of financial
agents and treasurers of tlie Boards : and that they are hereby author-
ized to draw upon the Assembly's Treasurer for the amount of the bill.
Vol. V, p. 19'J, 1880.
7. Persons to Co-operate With Financial Ag&nX^.— Resolved,
3, That the Committee on Ways and Means be empowered to secure in
every Presbytery the help of one or more persons, specially interested
in bringing before the people of all our congregations the claims and
needs of the general work of the Church, who shall advise and co-oper-
ate with tlie financial agent in his work. Vol. VII, p. C41, 1891.
8. A General Financial Agent for the Whole Church.—
Resolved, That a committee of three be apjjointed to consider the sub-
ject of appointing a general treasurer and financial agent for the entire
church, and that they recommend a suitable person for this office, and
report to the next General Assembly. Vol. II, p. 418, 18G7. [This
committee presented a report, recommending the appointment of a gen-
eral financial agent. This report was before several Assemblies, when
it was overtured and rejected by the following vote: ayes, 208; nays,
24o; not voting, 21. Vol. Ill, p. 150, 1870.]
[Resolutions for the appointment of a general financial agent were
introduced into the Assembly of 1875, Vol. IV, p. 189, and" were re-
ferred to the next Assembly, when the following action was taken :]
Resolved, That the appointment of a general financial agent, as con-
templated in the paper assigned to us, be postponed for the present.
Vol. IV, p. 320, 187G.
[Sundry memorials were presented asking the Assembly to appoint a
general financial agent. The following action was taken:]
1. That a committee be ai){)ointed to prepare, in the use of such time
and study of facts, and careful deliberation, as the work needs and its
great importance merits, a system of finance, with a view to the correc-
tion, or at least to the mitigation of the evils deplored; that said com-
mittee shall consist of [seven persons], with the Corresponding Secretaries
of the Boards as advisory members; and that said committee be directed
to publish first draft of its scheme in the Church papers on or before
October 1, next.
2. That the Presbyteries of the Church be directed to consider the
scheme of finance, which the said committee may thus propose, and on
or before February 1, 1892, report to the committee their views with
158 DIGEST OK THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
reference to it, and any amendments tliey may think expedient, with
their reasons for suggesting such amendments.
3. That tlie committee carefully consider the views expressed by
the Presbyteries, and the amendments proposed; and then revise and
complete their scheme by the incorporation in it of such clianges as may
seem to be expedient, in the light shed upon all parts of the subject by
the advices from the Presbyteries.
4. That the committee publish in the papers of the Church, about May
1, 1892, their scheme of hnancial management, as thus completed; and
finally, that tliey present it to the next As'^embly for action thereon.
5. That to this committee be referred the various memorials on this
subject now bei'ore the Assembly, including the memorial asking that
the contributions of "Women's ^Missionary Societies be forwarded through
the financial agents of the Presbyteries. Vol. VII, p. G4.3, IH'Jl.
xLiv. forp:ign missions, board of.
1. Charter Cf the Baard of Missions. — [Granted by the Legis-
lature ot Pennsylvania, approved by the Governor, April 12, 18G6, and
accepted by the General Assembly, Vol. II, p. 302, 186G.]
Whereas, The General Assembly of the United Presbyterian
Church of North America have a Board of Foreign Missions com-
posed of ministers and laymen, members of the said Church, the design
of which is tiie establishing and conducting Christian missions among
the unevangelized or pagan nations, and the general diffusion of Chris-
tianity ; and,
Whereas, The aforesaid Board of Foreign Missions labors under
serious disadvantages as to receiving donations and bequests, and as to
the management of funds entrusted to them for the purposes designated
in their constitution, and in accordance with tlie benevolent intentions
of those from whom such bequests and donations are received ; there-
fore,
Section 1, Be it enacted, &c., That James Prestley, John B. Dales,
Francis Church, Thomas II. Hanna, Samuel C. Huey, Wm. Getty,
Thomas Stinson and William W. Barr, citizens of the United States,
and of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and their successors, are
hereby constituted and declared to be a body politic and corporate,
which shall henceforth be known by the name of the Board of Foreign
Missions of the United Presbyterian Church of North America, and as
such shall have perpetual succession, and be able to sue and be sued in
all courts of record and elsewhere, and to purchase and receive, take
and hold to them and theirsuccessors forever, lands, tenements, here-
ditaments, money, goods and chattels, and all kinds of estate which may
be devised, bequeathed or given to them, and the same to sell, alien,
demise and convey, also to make and use a common seal, and the same
to alter and renew at their pleasure, and also to make such rules, by-
laws and ordinances as may be needful for the government of the said
corporation, and not inconsistent with the constitution and laws of the
United States and of this State. Provided always, that the clear and
annual income of the real and personal estate held by this corporation
shall not at any time exceed the sum of twenty thousand dollars. The
KOKEIGN MISSIONS, HOARD OF. 150
corporation of persons above named shall hold their offices for three
years from the date of this act, and until their successors are duly qual-
ified to take their places, who shall be chosen at such times and in such
way and manner as shall be prescribed by the said General Assembly of
the United Presbyterian Church of North America. The said Board
liereliy incorporated and their successors shall be subject to the direc-
tion of said General Assembly of the United Presl)yterian Church of
North America, have full power to manage the funds and property
committed to their care in such manner as shall Le most advantageous,
not being conti'ary to law.
2. Constitution of the Board of Foreign Missions. — [A con-
stitution toi- the iJoard of Foreign Missions was adopted. Vol. I, p. 45,
185'J, but it was sujierseded by the general constitution of the Boards,
and the following new constitution :]
1. This Board shall be styled " The Board of Foreign Missions of
the United Presbyterian Cliurch of North America," and shall be lo-
cated in the city of Pliiladelphia.
2. To this Board shall be entrusted, under the direction and control
of the Assembly, the superintendence of the Foreign Missionary opera-
tions of the church. To this Board shall belong the duty, though not
the exclusive right, of nominating to the Assembly missionaries and
agents, and of designating fields of labor. They shall also receive re-
ports of the corresponding secretary, and give him needful direction,
prepare, for the Assembly, estimates of all appropriations and expendi-
tures of money, and take such action as may be necessary to secure the
efficient and successful prosecution of the work committed to their care.
Vol. IV, p. 23, 1874.
3. Regulations of the Board of Foreign Missions. — [Approved
by the General Assembh', A'ol. 1, ]>. 227, IbGl].
1. Every application to be recommended to the General Assembly,
for an appointment to be a missionary in the foreign field, shall be given
in to the Board at the earliest time convenient, that thus there may be
an opportunity fur making all profier inquiries in regard to it. This
application shall be presented in writing, briefly stating the applicant's
age, habits, education, previous employment, the length of time he has
been a professor of religion, his motives and reasons lor desiring to en-
gage in the missionary service, the field of labor he prefers, the state of
his health, his purpose or position in reference to marriage, and the
probabilities of his permanent continuance in the mission work if ap-
pointed and sent out.
2. No student, licentiate or minister shall be recommended by this
Board for an appointment who cannot give written testimonials from
persons who have known him, in reference to his character and supposed
fitness for the missionary service, and who has not also been specially
recommended as possessing suitable qualifications by the Presbytery to
which he belongs. It is also very desirable, if at all possible, that the
Board shall have a personal interview or acquaintance with him.
3. In no case shall the Board be held liable for debts of the candidate,
contracted previously to his appointment, nor for any after it, unless
they were authorized by the Board; and while his wishes in regard to
his field of labor are to be carefully consulted, he is to hold himself at
160 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
tlie direction of the Board, as the necessities of the whole field, or the
emergencies of any particular part of it, may require.
4. After iiis appointment the candidate is to keep the Board informed
of his Post Office address, and wliile the whole matter of his ordination
is left to the Presbytery, yet it is recommended that it be attended to at
an early day, so that tliere may be no distraction or delay in his depar-
ture on account of it — and also that it be at such time and place, if cir-
cumstances will allow, as will best subserve the interests of the cause of
missions.
5. Every married missionary shall be allowed at least $400, from the
mission funds, for an outfit, and every unmarried missionary $200, to-
gether with all the expenses in each case, of traveling under the direc-
tion of the Board, and of the passage from their home to the field of
labor. The regular salary shall commence with the day of arriving in
the field of labor.
6. In all cases, apparatus, surgical instruments, books and durable
property of any kind, which have been purchased by special grants of
the Board, for any mission, shall be used and returned to the mission,
as belonging to it, under the direction of the Board.
7. On reaching tiie field of labor, the missionary shall see that com-
munications from himself or from the mission are forwarded to the
Board once in three months. In no case shall he engage in compensa-
tory services outside of the regular mission work, without the consent
of his brethren in the mission, subject to the review of the Board, and
in case he is alone, he shall not so engage without the consent of the
Board.
8. It is understood that in all ordinary and minor matters, the mis-
sionaries of the ibreign stations shall have much discretionary power —
but inasmuch as even from the best of motives, and by the best of men,
works might be projected and entered on, which the Board would not
have the means of sustaining — which neither it nor the Church at
large would apf)rove — and which migiit result in serious difficulties, and
perhaps disasters ; it is hereby declared that no new mission shall be
formed, no new station shall be taken up, no real estate shall be pur-
chased at the expense of the Board, no money belonging to the Board
shall be loaned or invested, and no new and heavy expenses shall be in-
curred, without the knowledge and consent of the Board.
9. If any missionary shall have a desire or a necessity, on account of
ill iiealth, or from any other cause, to return to this country, he shall, in
all cases that are practicable, request permission from the Board, the
request being accompanied by a statement of the reasons for it, and by
the opinion also of the members of the mission in regard to it. If the
time and urgency of the case render it impracticable for him to obtain
this permission, he must then obtain the consent of his brethren in the
mission, and this consent shall be subject to the review of the Board.
10. In all cases, unless otherwise expressly provided for, the salary
of the missionary shall cease with his leaving his field — his traveling ex-
penses shall be defrayed by the Board — and on his arrival in this coun-
try, his salary may be resumed, if it is judged best by the Board, at
half the previous rate for six months or one year, when, if he shall not
return to his fi^ld, it shall entirely cease. All his traveling expenses
FOREIGN MISSIONS, BOARD OF. 161
under the direction of the Board, after his return, shall be paid out of
the treasury oi the Board.
11. Every mission sliall have, if practicable, a treasurer or financial
agent, who shall keep the accounts, make out for the Board an annual
report of the expenses, receipts, estimates, and an inventory of the
property of the mission, receive the appropriations of the Board and
distribute them to the members of the mission, according to the rates or
salaries hxed by the Boanl. The financial year of every missionary
shall begin Mith the hrst of January, and the financial report, estimates,
^c„ (5cc., shall be forwarded to the Board so as to be received by the
first of April in eacii year. No missionary shall draw any draft on the
Ireasurer of the Foreign Missionary Fund witnout being authorized by
tlie Board. ^
12^ An annual report shall be prepared in each mission, and sent to
tiie Board b^y the first of April, to be incorporated with the annual re-
port of the Board to tlie General Assembly.
4. A Manual of Instructions for Missionaries.-i^.«o/^;erf, 4,
Ihat the Board be directed to prepare and publish for missionary use
such a manual of instructions and directions as their work demands
Vol. V, p. o29, 1882.
4. That the Assembly approve of the Manual that has been pub-
lished, and direct tiiat it shall be put into the hands of all our mission-
aries and those under appointment for the foreign work, and that its
instructions and suggestions be earnestly carried out. Vol. V p. 730
1883. ' r >
5 Outfits, Salaries and Allowances of Foreign Missionaries.
— [Ihe salaries and allowances of foreign missionaries were as follows-
T r"" "jronn^.'^'f '«"^'T: Outfit, $oOU ; salary, $1,200 in Egypt and
India, «>1,000 in Syria and China; for each child under ten year^ five
per cent, of salary ; from ten to eighteen years, ten per cent., and a fair
allmyance for house rent. For unmarried men : Outfit, S300 ; salary,
$800 eacl^ except in Syria and China, $700 each. For unmarried
women : Outfit $2()0 ; salary, in India and Egypt, $.300 each, and $450
elsewhere. Vol. IV, p. 51, 1874. The salaries of missionaries in Cairo
and Alexandria were advanced to $1,400 each for men and $550 for
women. \ol, I\, p. 180, 1875.
Resolved, G. That the Board be instructed to inquire further into the
financial slate of our Missions, and make such modifications or chan<res
in regard to the salaries, general expenses, etc., as the circumstances'ia
the difierent cases may show to be desirable or necessary. Vol V d
353, 1881. " ' ^'
X ^Zt'ff: \- '^'"'^ J'ereafter the outfit for a married missionary shall
be !i.300.00 ; for an unmarried male missionary, $150.00 ; and for a sin-
gle female missionary, $100.00.
2. That in addition to a house which shall be provided by the Board,
the salaries of missionaries in the field shall be as follows : In E-ypt
each married missionary shall receive, annually, $1,400.00; each Sv'le
male missionary, $900.00; and each single female missionary, $550.00.
;.n^''^"'' "^'"•'■'*^^ missionary, $1,200.00; each single male mis-
sionary, $900.00; and each single female missionary, $500.00
3. That for each child under the age of 18 years, in mission fami-
162 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
ilies, $100.00 shall be paid annually, this rule applying to children in
the field, in this country, or elsewhere.
4. That no allowance sliall be made to missionaries for physicians'
fees, except in extraordinary oases, which must be reported to the
Board for action ; and no allowance shall be made for traveling ex-
pense-, except where the missionaries are actually engaged in mission
work, or in going to the sanitariums for the health of themselves or
families. Vol. Y, pp. 529, o47, 1882.
Resolved, Tliat in the judgment of the Assembly, no contract exists
between tiie Board and a missionary in the foreign field which abso-
lutely forbids it to make any change in the regulations in reference to
salaries and allowances during his absence in the field ; but that care
should be taken that such change work as little hardship as possible to
the missionary. Vol. V, p. 731, 1883.
6. Return of Foreign Missionaries. — Resolved, 2. That in the
judgment of this Assembly missionaries laboring in foreign lands, and
especially in warm climates, should return to their native land at inter-
vals of about five years, to invigorate their health, and thus prolong
their lives and usefulness, and otherwise advance the mission work.
Vol. II, p. 1.37, 180.'). [This action was rescinded. Vol. II, p. 416,
1867. Tlie "IManual" approved by the General Assembly, Vol. V,
p. 730, 1883, says: The question of the return of a missionary must be
determined in each case on its own merits . . . In no case will the
Board feel free to sanction the return of any one who has not been at
least ten years in the field, unless the requirements of health, or other
providential interposition, shall plainly make in their duty so to do.]
7. Salaries of Returned Foreign Missionaries. — See Regulation
10.
[The Board was authorized to continue to returned missionaries, in
case of continued disability, the usual salary during the first six months
after their return. Vol. II, p. 302, 186G. The Board was directed to
pay missionaries, in all ordinary cases, at the rate of half salary in gold,
while necessarily absent from the field of labor. Vol. II, p. 498, 1868.
The action of 1806 and 1808 was rescinded, and regulation 10 was
amended by substituting, "not more than twt) years," for "six months
or one year." Vol. Ill, p. 19, 1809. The salaries of missionaries
temporarily absent from their fields of labor were fixed as follows: Mis-
sionaries with families at the rate of $1,000 a year, with no allowance
for children ; single male missionaries, $500, and female missionaries
$350, provided that these allowances shall not extend beyond one year,
except at the discretion of the Board. Vol. IV, pp. 305, 327, 1876.]
8. Allowance to Widows of Foreign Missionaries. — Resolved,
12. That the Board of Foreign Missions be instructed to pay to the
widows of missionaries who 1 ave died, or may die, in the service of the
Board, the sum of $20 a month, during their widowhood. Vol. II, p.
157, 1805. [The widow of a missionary, who has died in the service
of the Board, if she be without children, may be employed as a sin-
gle female missionary, provided she has the necessary qualifications.
Manual.]
9. Allowance to the Children of Foreign Missionaries Sent
to This Country. — Resolved, 13. That the sum of $100 be paid an-
FOREIGN MISSIONS, BOARD OF. ] G3
nuallj for the support of each of the children of our missionaries wlio
have b(.en returned to tliis country to obtain an education, and that
they be provided with tuition free in any college under the care of the
United Presbyterian Church. Vol. IIJ, p. 19, 18G9. [This allowance
was fixed at the uniform rate of $lo() a year for children under eio-h-
teen years ot age, and whose parents are not in this country. Vol. fv,
pp^oO.*, 327, 1870. It was changed to SlOO a year. Vol. V, pp, 529'
10. The Training- of Native Missionaries.— T^^'so/j-e^/, 8. That
in view ot tiie comparatively short lite of American missionaries in
heatlien countries, and the frequent necessity of returnincr borne to re-
cruit their strengtl) ; and in view of the length of time and the ^reat
abor necessary to acquire the use of the difficult lan-^ua^es of most
heathen countries; and in view of the great disadvantage which a for-
eigner must always experience in commanding the popular mind of any
people when he has to address them as a foreigner ; and in view of the
vastly greater expense of sustaining the work by exporting the laborers
at such disadvantages, and at such great distances from the bases of
supply and management, we recommend to our Board that the idea
should be constantly kept in view, that the present system of conductin^r
foreign missions should be regarded as introductory to the more perma-
nent and efficient system by which the work will be mainly carried for-
ward by native teachers and missionaries from home sources of support •
therefore, we recommend to the Board to give special attention to the
raising up of native teachers and ministers, and thus layin-^ deeply and
broadly such foundations as may secure efficient native laborers, and in
due time make the respective institutions self-sustainin^. Vol. II n
498, 1808. ° ' ^*
On the subject of training a native ministry, referred by the Board to
the Assembly, the Committee on Foreign" Missions recommend the
adoption of the following:
liesolvech 1. That it is the judgment of this Assembly that this is
necessary to the final success of the missionary cause, and that they
hereby instruct all their missionaries in the foreign field to <r\xe special
attention to this part of the work; and that they also direct" the Board
to encourage and co-operate with missionaries in carrvin'^ out this in-
struction ; assuring both the Board and missionaries of ?he sympathy
and hearty co-operation of the Assembly.
2. 'J'hat this Assembly heartily approves of the action of our mission-
aries in Kgypt, 111 establishing and conducting a literary and theoloc'ical
institute ior this purpose ; and should the Board, on consultation with
the 1 resbytery of Egypt, deem it necessary to the wants of the mission
to establish an additional institute, they are instructed to do so, the lo-
cation and management to be under the direction of the Presbytery.
The Assembly also directs the Board, if on consultation with the breth-
ren in Syria they deem it necessary, to establish a similar institute in
Damascus, or wherever they may deem it best, its management to be
under the direction of the mission.
3. That the Board be directed when they shall have ascertained
what means are necessary in books, apparatus or monev, and shall
have secured competent person or persons to take charge of these insti-
364 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
tutions, then to bring the whole matter before the Church, and make a
special appeal to our people, urging the great importance of this work,
^nd its demands upon their liberality and their prayers.
This direction is to be understood as extending to all our foreign mis-
sions. Vol. Ill, p. 413, 1872.
Resolved, 7. That the Assembly approves the establishing of a train-
ing college and mission seminary at Osiout, and that $2,500 be devoted
to the building fund of the college, out of the appropriation for Egypt
ioT this year. Vol. IV, p. 35, 1874.
Hesolved, 11. That the Assembly heartily approves of the proposal
to establish a theological seminary in India tor the training of a native
.ministry, and that the Presbytery of Sialkot be encouraged to establish
the same as soon as in their judgment it may be deemed proper, and
the money at their disposal will warrant ; but in the present state of
the treasury of the Board, it is not deemed advisable to appoint any ad-
ditional laLorers for that field, or become responsible for any expense
;additional to the present estimates. Vol, IV, p. 305, 1876.
11. The Education of Native Women. — Boarding Schools for
girls were established at Asyoot and Cairo in Egypt. The Girls*
Training Institute at Sialkot, India, was commended to the churches
for special contribution, '* with an earnest view of raising up the women
in our ditferent fields to their proper slate." Vol. V, p. 730, 1883.
12. China Mission.— See Chinese Mission.
13. S3nria Mission. — [On memorials from the Synod of Illinois and
•from the Presbytery of Frankfort, asking for the consolidation of the
foreign missions ol the church, it was]
Resolved, 4. That the Board is hereby instructed to make, as soon as
practicable, such arrangements with the Irish Presbyterian Church as
•shall relieve us of all responsibility with regard to the Syrian mission.
Vol. IV, p. 444, 1877.
[By tiie terms of the agreement with the Presbyterian Church of
Ireland, which had joint charge of the mission and an equal ownership
in the property, either party withdrawing would leave the other in pos-
session of all the property, and in entire ownership and charge of the
mission. The mission was transferred to the Church of Ireland, "with
a right for us to return and resume labors with them in it, if at any
time hereafter it shall be deemed best." The buildings in Bludan were
the exclusive property of the United Presbyterian Church, and were
sold to the Church of Ireland. Vol. IV, p. 598, 1878.]
Resolved, 7. That the Board be, and hereby is, directed to place the
proceeds resulting from the sale of the Bludan property in Syria, to-
gether with tiie stock of the Merchants and Manufacturers' Bank,
Pittsburgh, to tlie credit of the investment fund. Vol. IV, p. 577,
1878.
14. Women's Foreign Missionary Societies. — Resolved, lO.
That it is the judgment of this General Assembly that the great de-
mand for female laborers, in view of the condition of their sex in foreign
lands, requires that the women of the United Presbyterian Church take
a deeper interest in this important department of the foreign work, and
■exert themselves in order to sustain the female missionaries now in the
field, and to increase the number and secure the support of additional
female laborers. Vol. Ill, p. 407, 1872.
FOREIGN MISSIONS, BOARD OF. 1 6ff
Resolved, 9. That the ■women of our cliurch at large be urged to make
special efibrts in behalf of these schools, [suitable boarding schools for
girls], and in the Zenana work or work which Christian women may
do, in visiting and endeavoring to teach and evangelize heathen women,
in the seclusion and privacy of their homes. Vol. IV, p. 3G, 1874.
Resolved, 6. That, as in all our missions, the Board is ui-ging the
missionaries to encourage and carry on, as far as may be possil)le, and
in the best ways jn-acticable, the work of educating and evangelizing
heatlien women, the Assembly urge the women in all our churches to>
make individual contributions for this purpose, or organize and carry on
societies for it, that the Board niiiy have in its general fund tlie means?
of more and more thoroughly and usefully performing this in common
with the oilier parts of our great work, and we rejoice to know that
quite a number of our churches have formed such societies with gratify-
ing results. Vol. IV, p. 182, 187;').
Resolved, 4. That in order to secure unity of purpose and action in
all our operations, the Assembly direct that no work in behalf of the
foreign mission cause be undertaken l)y women's missionary societies,
or by any otlier society, apart from and independent of the Board of
Foreign Missions, and that such work shall be taken up only when
asked for by tlie missions in the foreign field, and sanctioned by the
Board. Vol. IV, p. r)77, 1878.
IG. Missionary Associations. — [An association of the members of
the mission in Egypt, lor all business outside of Presliyterial matters,
was formed, and its constitution was approved by the Assembly. Vol.
Ill, pp. 140, 175, 179, 1870. For Constitution of the Association, see
Vol. Ill, p. 180, 1870. A similar association was formed in connec-
tion with the India Mission, but its constitution is not given in the
Minutes of the General Assembly.]
Resolved, G. Tiiat the rules of the Manual be so amended as to allow^
the female missionaries, who assume all the responsibilities of mission-
aries, to sit as members in the Missionary Associations, to advise and
to vote in all matters |)ertaining to their work. Vol. VII, p. 427,.
1890.
10. That Missionary Associations in the foreign field be earnestly re-
minded that the Board of Foreign Missions is the appointed agency of
the Cliurch for carrying on the work, and that all their communications,
with the Church at home, in the intei-est of the work, should be con-
ducted with a full recognition of tiie authority of the Board. Vol. VII,
p. 633, 1891.
17. Special Work. — Resolved, 4. Tliat the Assembly has heard
with intei-est tlie special work that has been undertaken, liy congrega-
tions and individuals, to send out and support new missionaries. Vol.
VII, p. 219, 1889.
8. That while there are some dangers and disadvantages in the send-
ing out of special missionaries by congregations, societies, or individuals
assuming their support ior a term of years, yet it is the judgment of
the Assemlily that an interest is aroused in mission work by this rnetliod,„
and an amount of money contributed for its sujiport, whicli could not
otherwise be secured. \o\. VII, p. G3.'], 1891.
lo. The Medical Work Transferred to the Women's Auxili-
166 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
ary Boaird. — [The Board of Foreign Missions reported that it had
handed over to the Women's Auxiliary Board the work of establishing
a hospital in connection with the mission in India. Vol. VII, p. 41,
1888.]
Resolved, 2. That . . the Board of Foreign Missions be directed to
give the management of the medical work into the hands of the
Women's Board, in so far as it extends to the nomination of the medi-
cal missionaries, and to all the details in carrying on the medical work
in hospitals and elsewhere, and that the Women's Board be directed to
report annually to the Assembly. Vol. VII, p. 220, 1889. [A com-
mittee appointed by the Assembly of 1890, reported regulations govern-
ing this work, Vol. VII, p. 73G, 1891, but no action was taken on
them.]
18. A Monthly Publication to be Issued by the Board of
Foreign Missions. — liesolved^ 4. That the Board be authorized and
recommended to issue a monthly missionary publication in a cheap form
for general circulation through the church. Vol. I, p. 118, 1860.
Resolved, 4. That the missionary paper proposed to be published by
the Board of Foreign Missions be recommended to the pastors and peo-
ple of the United Presbyterian Cliurch. Vol. I, p. 227, 1861.
Resolved, 5. That for the purpose of disseminating information on the
subject of our foreign missions, the Board * * be directed to in-
quiie into the expediency and practicability of establishing and publish-
ing monthly a missionary paper to be devoted principally to giving in-
formation on the subject of our missions, home and foreign. Vol. Ill,
p. 407, 1872.
1 9. An Itemized Statement of Expenses to be Given by the
Board. — Resolved, 8. That an itemized statement of all expenditures
and investments of funds intrusted to the Board, and its liabilities, be
made hereafter to the Assembly. Vol. VI. p. 440, 1886.
20. Mission to the Upper Nile. — The American Missionary As-
sociation tendered to the Board of Foreign Missions $20,000 to com-
mence a mission in the regions towards Central Africa, or, more espec-
ially, along the Upper Kile. The Board was instructed to examine the
wisdom of establishing such a mission, with authority to undertake the
woik, if the way be clear, and appeal to the Church for the men and
the nioney necessary for its prosecution. Vol. V, p. 730, 1883. The
Board reported that it had found the work impracticable and had de-
clined tl>e proposition. Vol. VI, p. 53, 1884.
21. The Gibson Trust Fund. — [Dr. William Gibson of James-
town, Pa., about the year 1875, by deed conveyed to the Board of
Foreign Missions certain properties in P>ie, Pa., the income of which
is to be used, under the direction of the Board, for " the circulation of
the holy Scriptures in Arab-speaking countries." By the conditions of
the trust, tliis fund must be kept separate, and be known as " The Gib-
son Trust Fund." A report of the fund is made to each General As-
sembly. Vol. V, p. 204, 1880; p. 373, 1881.]
FREEDMEN, BOARD OF MISSIONS TO THE. 167
XLV. FREEDMEN, BOARD OF MISSIONS TO THE.
1. Charter of the Board of Missions to the Freedmen.—
f Granted liy tlie Legislature of Pennsylvania, approved by the Gov-
ernor, Marcli 25, 1868, accepted and adopted by the Assembly, Vol. II,
p. 509, 1868.]
Section i. Be it enacted, &c., that John B. Clark, C. A. Dickey,
A. Calhoun, Wm. J. Reid, S. B. Reed, W. H. Andrew, John Dean,
James Mitchell, James Patterson, and their successors, duly chosen, as
liereinafter specified, are hereby created a body politic and corporate in
deed and in law, by the name, style and title of. The Board of Missions
to the Freedmen of the General Assembly of the United Presbyterian
Church of North America.
Sec. II. Tliat the said corporation by that name shall have and enjoy
perpetual succession, and be able to sue and be sued, plead and be im-
pleaded, in all courts of law and elsewhere, and shall be able and capa-
ble in law and equity to take, purchase, hold and receive to them and
their successors any lands, tenements, goods, chattels, sum or sums of
money, which are now, or shall, or may at any time hereafter, become
the property of said corporation by purchase, gift, grant, bargain, sale,
conveyance, devise, bequest, or otherwise, from any person or persons
whon)soever, and the same to grant, bargain, sell, mortgage, improve or
dispose of for the use and benefit of the said corporation or body politic,
and in general to do all things which may be lawful and necessary for
the well being and proper management of the said corporation ; Pro-
vided, that the net yearly income from the real state of said corporation
shall not exceed three thousand dollars.
Sec. III. Tiiat the said corporation shall have power to make and
use a common and corporate seal, and to alter, destroy and renew the
same at pleasure ; and to make such by-laws, rules and regulations as
shall be necessary for the government of the said corporation, and fer
the management and safe-keeping of the funds and other property
thereto belonging, and their appropriation and use in accordance with
the intent and jjurposes of its institution: Provided, that no by-law,
rule or regulation as aforesaid shall be valid, if inconsistent with the
constitution and laws of this Commonwealth, the constitution and laws
of the United States, or the discipline of the United Presbyterian
Church of North America.
Sec. IV. That the object of the said corporation shall be to educate
the freedmen of the South in secular and religious knowledge, by estab-
lishing and supporting schools and churches amongst them, and by such
other means as are appropriate to missionary operations.
Sec. v. That tlie members of the said corporation shall be such as
the General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church of North
America shall choose and appoint, and shall consist of nine persons,
wiio shall be divided into three classes, as at present constituted, three
persons being in each class, whose term of membership shall be three
years, so that one class of three persons shall be annually appointed, and
one class of three persons shall annually go out.
Sec. VI. That the officers of said corporation shall be a president,
vice-president, secretary and treasurer, wiio shall remain in office during
168 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
a term of one year, or until their successors are duly elected and quali-
fied, and sliall be chosen by the corporation from its own membersliip,
on the first Tuesday of July of each and every year; and that until an
election shall be had under tiiis act, William J. Reid shall be Presi-
dent, S. B. Reed, A'ice-president, John B. Clark, Secretary, and John
Dean, Treasurer, of the said corporation.
Sec. VII. That no misnomer of said corporation or their successors
shall defeat or annul any jzitt, grant, devise or bequest, to or from
said corporation; Provided, that the intent of the party or parties shall
sufficiently appear upon the face of the sift, grant, will, or other writ-
ing, whereby any estate or interest was intended to pass to or from the
said cory)oration.
2. Constitution of the Board of Missions to the Freedmen. —
[A constitution lor the Board of Missions to the Freedmen was adopted,
Vol. I, p. 498, 1803, but it was superseded by the general constitution
of the Boards, and the following new constitution:]
I. This Board shall be styled " The Board of Missions to the Freed-
men of the United Presbytei'ian Church of North America," and shall
be located in the city of Pittsburg.
II. To this Board shall be entrusted, under the direction and control
of the General Assembly, the direction and oversight of Missions to the
Freedmen. They shall iiave the right to select and recommend fields
of labor; appoint missionai-ies and teachers; prepare, for the Assembly,
estimates of all ai)propriations and expenditures of money, and take all
action that may be necessary to secure the successful prosecution of the
•work committed to their care. Vol. IV. p. 23, 1874.
3. Regulations of the Board of Missions to the Freedmen. —
[No regulations ior the government of this Board have been adopted by
the Assembly.]
4. History of the Board of Missions to the Freedmen.— [Mis-
sions among the freedmen were carried on under tiie direction of several
Presbyteries previous to 18G3, when the Board of Missions to the Freed-
men was organized. With a view of transferring the work of this Board
to other Boards of the church, the following action was taken:]
Resolved, 2. Tliat the school work in the literary department be dis-
continued at the end of the present jear.
3. That the congregations at Nashville and Vicksburg be placed under
the care of the Presbytery of Tennessee, and referred to the executive
committee of the Board of Home Missions for aid, to whatever amount
may be necessary to support the pastors of tiiese congregations.
4. That the Board of Freedmen's Missions be directed to deed their
property at Nashville, Vicksburg and Leavenworth to the Board of
Church Extension, and transfer any funds tiiat may be in their hands
to the Board of Home Missions.
5. That they be directed to make careful inquiry for young men of
piety and talent in these missions, having the gospel ministry in view,
and needing aid, and have these placed under the care of the Board of
Education.
6. That the Board of Freedmen's Missions be directed to settle their
business, if possible, by the end of the year, and as soon as their busi-
ness is settled, discontinue their organization. Vol. Ill, p. 388, 1872.
FREEDMEN, BOARD OF MISSIONS TO THE. 169
[The next Assembly continued tlie Board by the following action :]
Resolved, 4. That the Board of Freedmen's Missions be continued as
ore of the regular Boards of the church, and that said Board have a
general supervision over our educational enterprises among tiie freed-
men. Vol. Ill, p. 530, 1873.
[A resolution to consolidate the Boards of Freedmen's Missions and
of Home Missions was introduced into the Assembly of 1874, but it
was negatived. Vol. IV, p. 18, 1874. A plan for consolidating the
Boards of Freedmen's Missions, Home Missions and Ctmich P^xtension
was overtured to the Presbyteries. Vol. IV, ]). 570, 1878.
The vote on this overture was : Ayes, 97 ; nays, 543 ; not voting,
36.]
Resolved, That these Boards be not consolidated. Vol. V, p. 23,
1879.
5. A Normal School Among- the Freedmen.— Resolved, 4, That
the Assembly regards with special favor the erection of a normal school,
in which individuals may be trained up for missionaries and teachers
among the peo{)le of their own color; and that it be left with the Board
to adopt such measures as to tiiem may seem best for the accomplish-
ment of this object. Vol. II, p. 154, 1865.
Resolved, 4. Tliat tiiis Asseml)ly do endorse the resolution of the last
Assembly and the late report of the Board in recommending tlie erec-
tion of a normal school for the pur])nse of qualifying freedmen for mis-
sionaries and teachers. Vol. II, p. 310, 1866,
Resolved, 4. That the Board W instructed, as soon as the necessary
funds can be obtained, to establish at such a_place in the South as it
may deem most advisable, a normal school for the training of colored
teachers. Vol. Ill, p. 13, 1869.
Resolved, 3. That we recommend the Board to proceed, as soon as
may be, with the establishment of a normal school somewhere in the
South, and that they be authorized to draw upon the Church for the
funds necessary for this purpose. Vol. Ill, p. 156, 1870.
Resolved, 1. That the Board be urged to secure funds and establish a
normal school as soon as possible. Vol. Ill, p. 275, 1871.
Resolved, 1. That all efforts to establish a normal school among the
freedmen be discontinued. Vol. Ill, p. 388, 1872.
Resolved, 1. That the matter of establishing a normal school among
the freedmen of the South be referred to the Board of Missions to tiie
Freedmen, with instructions to investigate the subject, and if the funds
can be obtained and a suitable location can be secured, and if in their
judgment the establishment of such an institution would be wise, that
they be authorized to begin the work, and tiiat they report their action
to the next Assembly. Vol. Ill, p. 529, 1873.
The Assembly of last year revived tiiis work, and instructed the
Board to establish a normal school. These instructions have been car-
ried out with promptness. Knoxville has been selected as the location
which promises the best results. * * * Tiierefore,
Resolved, 1. That the conduct of the Board in this work be approved.
Vol. IV, p. 18, 1874.
Resolved, 1. That the Board of Freedmen's Missions be directed to
proceed immediately to erect the necessary buildings for a mission train-
170 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
ing school among the freedmen, and to open said school as soon as pos-
sible. Vol. IV, p. 176, 1875.
[The school was opened in September, 1875, and later became
known as Knoxville College. A similar school was opened in Chase
City, Va., in 1876, and one in Norfolk, Va., in 1882.]
6. Dormitories Resolved, 1. That we recommend to the Board
the propriety of providing dormitories and cheap boarding for pupils at
Knoxville as soon as tliey may be able to do so. Vol. IV, p. 442, 1877.
7. Students' Fund, — Resolved, 4. That we authorize the Board to
establish a fund for the assistance of worthy students, which shall be
permanently vested, and the interest used annually for the aforesaid
purpose. Vol. IV, p. 442, 1877.
2. We recognize the importance of a students' fund, judiciously em-
ployed, to enable poor students to continue in school without inter-
ruption, and we commend this object to the special consideration of the
benevolent as worthy of patronage. Vol. V, p. 741, 1882.
8. A Home for Orphan Children. — [The Board reported the
opening of a home for orphan girls from tiie age of five to fifteen years.
The Assembly approved the action :] Resolved, 3. That the new depart-
ment for orphan children, instituted and supported by private enter-
prise, should be continued, and the Board is authorized to draw from
the general fund for its support. Vol. V, p. 741, 1883.
9. Industrial Schools for the Freedmen. — Resolved, 4. That, as
earnest and reasonable recjuests are made for the establishment of in-
dustrial schools in our missions in Virginia, attention be given to this
branch of training, so far as practicable and the means will afford.
Vol. VII, p. 217, 1889.
7. That the establishing industrial schools is looked upon with favor
by the Church, and that this special work is commended to the liberality
of those of large means. Vol. VII, p. 425, 1890.
10. Evangelistic Work Among the Freedmen.— i^eso/verf, 3.
We recommend to the consideration of this Board the propriety of
making an advancement in this work, more especially in the direction
of doing evangelistic work among the Freedmen. Vol. VII, p. 217,
1889.
3. That promising and pious young men who have graduated from
the schools and are looking to the ministry, be employed as missionaries
among the colored people oi' the South. Vol. Vll, p. 425, 1890.
11. A Commission to License and Ordain Ministers Among
the Freedmen. — Resolved, O. That inasmuch as the Freedmen's Mis-
sion is far removed from any of the organized Presbyteries of our
Church, and inasmuch as some exercise of Presbyterial control will be
necessary in selecting and employing young men as missionaries, and in
establishing stations and the organizing of congregations, it is hereby
ordered that the ordained ministers in the South be constituted a com-
mission with power, under the advice and approval of the Board, to
employ missionaries, to license men to preach, to ordain ministers after
completing their course of study, to organize congregations, and ordain
elders; and the said commission shall report to the General Assembly
through the Board. Vol. VII, p. 425, 1890. [No action has been
taken under this appointment.]
GENERAL ASSEMBI-Y. 171
XLVI. FREE PEWS.
Resolved, 2. That Sessions and trustees be recommended to abolish
the system of" renting pews, as inconsistent with freedom of worship, as
a hindrance to benevolence, and as making merchandise of the house
of God. Vol. Ill, p. 534, 1873.
XLVII. GAILEY'S APPEAL.
[Rev. R. Gailey appealed from the Presbytery of Mansfield to the
Eirst Synod of the West, which issued the case, the Synod being then
vested with final power in matters of discipline, the General Assembly
having appellate power in doctrine and order only. After the erection
■of the Synod of Oiiio out of a part of the First Synod of the West,
Mr. Gailey brought his appeal to the Synod of Ohio, which Synod,
being co-ordinate with the First Synod of the West, decided not to en-
tertain his appeal. From this decision he appealed to the Assembly.
The Assembly sustained the Synod of Ohio, and adopted the following
resolution :]
Hesohed, That the api)eal and accompanying papers of Rev. R.
■Gailey be and they hereby are returned to him. Vol. II, p. 314, 1866.
XLVIII. GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
1. Charter of the General Assembly. — [Ordered by the As-
sembly, Vol. 1, p. 37, 1859 ; gi-anted by tlie Legislature of Pennsyl-
vania; approved by the Governor, March 22, 1860, and accepted by
the Assembly. Vol. I, p. 114, I860.]
Section i. Be it enacted, «fcc.. That James McCandless, Graham
Scott, John Alexander, Thomas McCance, William Getty, William M.
Bell and David Reed, and their successors in office, duly elected as
hereinafter specified, be and they are hereby constituted and declared a
body politic and corporate in deed and in law by the name, style and
title of Trustees of the General Assembly of the United Presbyterian
Church of North America.
Sec. II. That said corporation shall have perpetual succession and
the right to hold lands, tenements, rents, franchises and other heredita-
ments and all personal property which heretofore have been conveyed,
assigned, transferred, devised and bequeathed to the ministers and elders
composing the General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church
of North America, or to any person or persons in trust for them ; and
the same is hereby vested in said corporation forever for such uses and
purpose as said conveyances, assignments, transfers, bequests and de-
vises were respectively made or intended ; and said corporation is hereby
declared to be seized and possessed of such estates and interest as in
and by said conveyances, assi<rnments, transfers, bequests and devises
thereof is or are declared, limited, expressed or intended ; and, further,
said corporation shall have all the rights, franchises and powers which
by law pertain to corporations, the right to hold and possess real and
personal property, yielding a net annual income not exceeding twenty
thousand dollars, and the same to dispose of at pleasure, but said limi-
tation not to be construed as including the annual or periodical coUec-
172 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
tions and voluntary contributions made in the churches under the care
of said General Asseembly or contributions from any other source.
Provided that in cases where special instructions for the management
and disposal thereof sliall be given by the General Assembly in writing
under tlie hand of their clerk, it shall be the duty of said corporation to
act according to such instructions.
Sec. III. That no misnomer of said corporation shall defeat or annul
any gift, grant, devise or bequest to or from said corporation; provided
that the intent of such gift, grant, devise or bequest shall sufficiently
appear that the same was intended to pass to or from said corporation.
Sec. IV. That said corporation shall have power to adopt and use
one common seal, and the same to break, alter, amend and renew at
pleasure.
Sec. v. That said corporation by the name, style and title aforesaid
shall be able to sue and be used, to plead and be impleaded in any court
of law or equity, or before any justice of the peace or alderman in all
manner of suits, complaints, pleas, matters and demands of whatever
nature, kind or form the same may be.
Sec. VI. Tiiat said corporation shall have full power to make, pass
and establish by-laws for the proper administration of the funds and the
due government of said corporation; provided, that said by-laws be not
repugnant to the constitution and laws of the United States, or the con-
stitution or laws of this Commonwealth.
Sec. VII. That said corporators shall compose the Board of Trustees
of said corporation until the next regular meeting of the General As-
sembly of the United Presbyterian Church of North America, when
two trustees in addition shall be elected by said General Asseml)ly who,
with said corporators, shall constitute thereafter a full Board of Trustees
who shall be divided into three classes, of three members each, in
alphabetical order, and whose term of office shall expire as follows, to
wit: the term of office for the first class shall expire on the first Tuesday
of July, A. D. one thousand eight bundled and sixty-one; the term of
office of the second class shall expire on the first Tuesday of July, A. D.
one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two; and the term of office of the
third class shall expire on the first Tuesday of July, A. D. one thousand
eight hundred and sixty-three. Further, said General Assembly shall,
at their regular meeting in the year one thousand eight hundred and
sixty-one, and annually thereafter, elect three persons to serve as trus-
tees to supply the places of those whose term of office shall expire as
aforesaid ; provided, however, that on failure to elect trustees as afore-
said, or in case of deatli, resignation or other inability, those remaining
in office shall have full power to fill such vacancies until the next regu-
lar meeting of tlie General Assembly.
Sec. viii. That five members of this corporation shall constitute a
quorum, and be a sufficient number to transact the business of said
corporation, to make by-laws, rules and regulations, whose regular
meetings shall be on the first Tuesdays of July, October, January and
April; provided, that previous to any special meeting of said corpora-
tion not appointed by adjournments, it shall be the duty of the officer
calling a meeting to cause notice to be sent by mail to each member ten
days prior to such meeting, and said corporation may, as often as shall
GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 173
be prescribed by the by-laws, elect from said Board of Trustees a presi-
■dent, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, or other officers.
Sec. IX. TJiat all questions before said corporation shall be decided
by a majority of the trustees present, and said corporation shall keep
regular and fair entries of their proceedings, and a just account of their
receipts and disbursements in a book or books kept for that purpose,
and the treasurer shall exhibit to said General Assembly, at each reg-
ular meeting, an exact state of the accounts of said corporation. Vol.
I, p. 334, 1861.
2. Oflacers of the General Assembly, Order of Business, Ac-
See Rules of Order.
3. Time of the Annual Meeting of the General Assembly.—
[Thougii there is no law on this point, usage has fixed the fourth
"Wednesday of May as the time for the annual meeting of tlie General
Assembly.]
4. Ratio of Representation in the General Assembly.— i?e-
solved. That for the present the ratio of representation as fixed by the
Twelfth General Synod of the Associate Reformed Church be, and the
same hereby is adopted and continued in the United Church as follows:
Every Presbytery containing two ministers shall be entitled to send one
minister and one ruling elder; every Presbytery containing five minis-
ters shall be entitled to send two ministers and two ruling elders ; every
Presbytery containing eight ministers shall be entitled to send three
ministers and three ruling elders ; every Presbytery containing fourteen
ministers shall be entitled to send four ministers and four ruling elders;
every Presbytery containing more than fourteen ministers shall be en-
titled to send for each additional four ministers, one minister and one
ruling elder. Vol. I, p. 31, 1859.
Resolved, That the next General Assembly be composed of commis-
sioners from the Presbyteries according to the proportion proposed by
the Book of Discipline now in overture. Vol. 1, p. 123, 1860.
Resolved, That the next General Assembly be constituted on the
basis of representation recognized in our proposed Book of Government
and Discipline. Vol. I, p. 226, 1861. [For ratio adopted, see p. 22.]
[After the Book of Government and Discipline was adopted, a com-
mittee was appointed by the Assembly to consider the propriety of re-
ducing the ratio of representation, Vol. Ill, p. 422, 1872. This
committee reported to the next Assembly, but no action seems to have
been taken, Vol. Ill, p. 515, 1873.]
[The Presbytery of Keokuk requested the General Assembly " to so
change the basis of representation, that the ministers only who are
actually engaged in the work of the ministry, be counted in the basis of
representation."]
It is submitted that the rights and privileges, pertaining to the min-
isterial office, are not founded on the exercise of that office. By ordi-
nation to the office of the ministry, authority to govern, as well as to
teach, is conferred. The non-exercise of the right to teach does not in
any way affect the right to govern. Since the above desired regulation
would infringe upon the ordained prerogatives of the ministry ; there-
fore,
Resolved, That the request can not be granted. Vol. IV, p. 440,
1877.
174 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
[The Presbytery of Omaha asked tliat the General Assembly submit
an overture for the change of the basis of representation from seven to
ten ministers. The Assembly took the following action :]
While many good and substantial reasons may be urged in support of
the petition in the line of economizing money and time, and, in many
cases even, of the more efficient transaction of the actual business of
the Assembly; yet we believe that the increased moral and S[)iritual in-
fluence, resulting from the larger Assembly, will more than compensate
for all the loss sustained. Up to the point where the Assembly l)ix-omes
too unwieldly to transact its business, its efficiency in doing the work of
the Church is increased, and believing that this point has not yet been
reached.
Resolved, That the petition be not granted. Vol. YII, p. 631. 1891.
5. The Number of Ministers in the Presbytery to be Stated
in the Credentials of Commissioners. — Resolved, That the clerk of
each Presbytery be directed to state on the face of credentials to the
Assembly, the number of ministers in his Presbytery. Vol. I, p. 500,
1863.
6. Alternates of Commissioners. — [During the calling of the
Roll the right of an alternate from the Presbytery of Keokuk, but not
of the absentee in the order of their names, to a seat in the Assembly,
was called in question. The Assembly decided that he was not entitled
to a seat. Vol. VI, pp. 5, 8, 1884.]
[Several persons who were not reported by the Clerks of Presbyter-
ies as delegates or alternates, asked to have their names put on the roll,
in the absence of other representatives.]
Resolved, That in the failure of the Presbytery to appoint an alter-
nate, the General Assembly cannot admit one to a seat as a Commis-
sioner. Vol. VII, pp. 201, 221, 1889.
7. Expenses of Commissioners to the General Assembly.—
See Delegate Fund.
8. Commissioners to the General Assembly should not Ab-
sent Themselves. — Resolved, That the Assembly deprecates and
hereby expresses its un(jualiHed disapprobation of the course pursued by
members in absenting themselves from the Assembly, except in cases
of extreme emergency, and recommends to Presbyteries the election, as
commissioners, of such members only as pledge themselves, God will-
ing, to remain and attend closely to the business during the entire
meeting. Vol. I, p. 115, 1860.
9. Appellate Power given to the General Assembly in Cases
of Discipline. — [Tiie Book of Government of the Associate Reformed
Church, accepted at the time of the Union, restricted appeals in cases
of discipline to the Synods. An amendment to the Book of Govern-
ment and Discipline, giving appellate power to the General Assem-
bly in cases of discipline, was submitted to the Presbyteries as a separate
overture. Vol. I, p. 351, 1862. This overture was adopted by the
following vote: ayes, 327; nays, 158; not voting, 4. Vol. 1, p. 490,
1863.]
10. Fund of the General Assembly. — Resolved, That a fund be
created, to be called " The Fund of the General Assembly," to which
our congregations are enjoined to contril)ute annually. Vol. I, p. 37,
1859.
HILL S CASE. 175
II. Printing, Stationery, &c., for the Assembly.— Hesoh-ed, 7.
That the clerks be authorized to give warrants for the payment of bills
for printing, stationery, and other expenses necessary to the work of the
General Assembly. Vol. IV, p. 453, 1877.
XLIX. GORDON'S APPEAL.
[Rev. Henry Gordon and others appealed from a decision of the
Synod of New York in the case of J. M. Hall, carried up by appeal
from Uie Presbytery of Argyle. This appeal Avas declared "not admis-
sible," because the appellants were not original parties in the case, and
because the interests of truth and righteousness were not injuriously
affected by the decision of Synod. Vol. Ill, p. 420, 1872. This case
was brought before the Assembly of 1873 by the memorial of Rev. G.
M. Wiley, who claimed that the result of the action of the Assembly of
1872 was to send tlie case of J. M. Hall back to the Synod of New York
for adjudication, and that the said Synod had refused to take up and
issue the case ; and who asked the Assembly to require the Synod to
take up the case. This memorial was disposed of as follows :J From
an examination of the action of the Assembly of last year, your com-
mittee do not understand said action as referring the case back to the
Synod for final adjudication; therefore,
Resolved, That the request of the memorialist be not granted. Vol.
Ill, p. 547, 1873.
L. GRANT'S APPEAL.
[Alex. Grant appealed from a decision of the Synod of New York to
the General Assembly of 1888, but in the unavoidable absence of the
appellant, the case was laid on the table until the next Assembly, and
in 1889, was again continued.]
The appeal of Alex. Grant was taken from the table. * * The
appeal was not sustained. Vol. VII, p. 423, 1890. [There is nothing
in the record to indicate the ground of the appeal or the principles in-
volved.]
LI. GREEN'S APPEAL.
[The appeal of Adam Green from a decision of the Synod of Illinois
was "dismissed as irregular," because there was nothing to show that
the appellant had furnished a copy of his reasons of appeal, either to the
moderator or clerk, within the time required by law, or afterwards.
Vol. II, p. 394, 1867.]
LII. HILL'S CASE.
[Rev. R. A. Hill, a member of the Presbyterty of Sialkot, presented
a memorial to the Assembly, complaining of the action of the Pres-
bytery, which refused to admit him to sacramental communion on the
ground of his views on the subject of intercommunion, and then sus-
pended him for declining their authority. The following action was
taken:]
Resolved, 1. That, without expressing any opinion as to the views of
176 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Rev. R. A. Hill on the question for which he was suspended by the
Presbytery of Sialkot, this Assembly deem the action of said Pres-
bytery in suspending Mr. Hill, when he had declared that he would not
agitate the question, or preach, or teach, contrary to the principles of
the United Presbyterian Churcii, so long as he remained in her connec-
tion, as irregular and unwarrantable; and, therefore, that the suspension
fihould be removed.
2. That the Assembly direct the said Presbytery to furnish Rev. R.
A. Hill, at his request, with an attested copy of their whole minutes in
his case.
3. Tiiat the Assembly recommend the Presbytery, in case Rev. R.
A. Hill should come to the conclusion that it is his duty to unite with
another branch of the church, to take no further action in his case than
to strike his name from their roll.
4. That this Assembly is not prepared to express any opinion as to
the charges made against Mr. Hill, subsequent to the 10th of April,
which charges, the Presbytery expressly declare are not mentioned in
their final action as proved, but as charges to which he was liable.
5. That should Mr. Hill continue as a member of the Presbytery of
Sialkot, he be specially enjoined to pursue the things that make for
peace.
6. That this action of the General Assembly shall not be construed
as giving any countenance to unrestricted communion. Vol. I, p, 231,
1861.
[Tills case came before the Assembly of 1862, by a protest and peti-
tion of the members of the Sialkot Presbytery, who complained that the
case came before the Assembl)' of 1861, without their knowledge, and
without an opportunity of their being heard in their own defense, and
that the action of the Assembly was based on a misapprehension of
Presbytery's action. The following action was taken:]
Resolved, 1. Tliat the Presbytery be directed to restore Mr. Hill to
his former standing upon declaring his willingness to submit to the
authority of Presbytery, and declaring his resolution to abide by our
professed principles on the subjects that have occasioned these troubles,
and to study the things that make for peace.
2, That if any of the parties, that is, Mr. Hill or any other member
of the mission, cannot accede to this as,a final end to all their disastrous
troubles, the Board of Foreign Missions be directed to recall him or
them from tiie field, and take measures to supply their places, that this
once prosperous mission be restored to the confidence and support of the
church. Vol. 1, p. 354, 1862.
[The Presbytery attached other conditions to those required by the
Assembly. Mr. Hill refused to withdraw his declinature, and appealed
to the Assembly, when the following action was taken:]
■liesolved, 1. That the appeal of Mr. Hill is, in some respects, irregu-
lar; yet, considering the peculiar circumstances of the case, we think it
will be expedient to give judgment respecting it.
2. That the appeal of Mr. Hill be sustained, so far as relates to the
form in which the questions of the Presbytery were proposed to him.
3. That it be not sustained so far as relates to his refusal to withdraw
his declinature.
HOME MISSIONS, BOARD OF. 177
4. That his case be now issued.
5. That on Mr. Hill's declaring his acquiescence in the directions of
the Assembly of 18G2, and also his withdrawal of his declinature of the
authority of the Presbytery of Sialkot, he be restored to good standing
in the United Presbyterian Church.
The moderator then read to Mr. Hill the resolution of the Assembly
requiring him to withdraw his declinature, to which he responded in the
affirmative. He also read to him the act of the last Assembly, to which
he expressed his agreement. The following resolution was then
adopted :
Resolved, That the answer of Mr. Hill be considered satisfactory, and
that he be declared in good standing in the United Presbyterian Church.
The following was adopted :
Resolved, That the clerk be directed to furnish Mr. Hill with a certi-
fied extract of the minute in his case, and that any Presbytery under
the care of this Assembly, to which he may apply, is authorized to re-
ceive him as in regular standing. Vol. I, p. 492, 1863.
LIII. HOME MISSIONS, BOARD OF.
1. Charter of the Board of Home Missions.— [Ordered by the
Assembly, Vol. Ill, p. 405, 1872; granted by the Court of Commoa
Pleas of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, March 21, 1874, and re-
corded in the office for the recording of deeds, &c., in said county, on
the 10th day of April, 1874, in charter book Vol. IV, p. 511.]
Article i. Be it remembered that John G. Brown, William J. Reid,
A. G. Wallace, Wm. J. Robinson, J. W. Witherspoon, W. S. Owens,
R. A. Cunningham, James McCutcheon, S. Mahood and G. M. Reed,
and their successors, elected and appointed as hereinafter directed, being
citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, are hereby associated
under the name and title of the Board of Home Missions of the United
Presbyterian Church of North America, and by said name and title
shall have succession, and be able and capable in law to sue and be sued,
plead and be impleaded in any court or courts, and in all causes and
matters whatsoever ; to make and use a common seal, and to alter and
renew the same at pleasure ; to purchase, receive, acquire, hold, use and
dispose of, for the purpose and objects herein named, lands, tenements,
rents, annuities, franchises, moneys, goods, chattels and hereditaments;
to make rules, by-laws and ordinances not repugnant to the constitution
and laws of the United States, the constitution and laws of the Com-
monwealth of Pennsylvania, or to this instrument.
Article ii. The object of this corporation shall be the publication
and extension of the gospel of Jesus Christ on the continent of North
America, subject to the authority and direction of the General Assembly
of the United Presbyterian Church of North America, and in accord-
ance with the authorized standards and usages of said United Presby-
terian Church, by the employment and support of ministers and mis-
sionaries, and by other lawful and appropriate means.
Article hi. Tlie officers of the corporation shall be a president,
vice-president, secretary and treasurer, and such other officers and agents
as may be from time to time required.
12
178 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Article iv. The corporation sluill consist of the following persons
and their successors, viz.: Rev. J. W. Witherspoon, S. Mahood and
James McCutcheon, who have been elected and appointed members of
said Board to serve until tlieir successors shall be elected in the year
1874, as provided in Article v of this instrument : Rev. A. G. "Wallace,
Rev. Wm. J. Robinson and G. M. Reed, who have been appointed to
serve until their successors shall be elected in like manner, in the year
1875 ; Rev. Wm. J. Reid, W. S. Owens and R. A. Cunningham, who
have been appointed to serve until their successors shall be elected in
like manner, in the year 187G ; and the corresponding secretary elected
by the General Assembly of said United Presbyterian Church (now
being the Rev. Jolin G. lirown) and his successor in odice sliall be ex-
officio a member of said Board, and tive of said members or their suc-
cessors in otHce shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of busi-
ness. Said Board shall once in each year exhibit to the General As-
sembly of said United Presbyterian Church an exact statement of its
accounts, funds and property.
Article v. The General Assembly of the United Presbyterian
Church of North America shall, in the year 1874, and annually there-
after, elect three persons as members of this corporation, to serve for a
period of three years ; and in case of a vacancy in the membership
thereof by reason of death, resignation or other cause, the remaining
members of said Board shall elect a person to fill the unexpired term,
provided, however, that such election shall be reported to the next Gen-
eral Assembly.
Article vi. The officers and agents of this corporation shall be
elected or ap])ointed from time to time in such manner and for such
term as shall be prescribed in the by-laws.
2. Constitution of the Board of Home Missions.— [A constitu-
tion for the Board of Home IMissions was adopted, Vol. I, p. 45, 1859,
but it was superseded by the general constitution of the Boards, and the
following new constitution:]
1. This Board shall be styled '' The Board of Home Missions of the
United Presbyterian Church of North America," and shall be located
in the city of Pittsburgh.
2. The general supervision, under the direction and control of the
General Assembly, of the whole work of home missions, shall be en-
trusted to the general committee of home missions, which shall be com-
posed of one delegate from each Presbytery of the Church, elected
annually by the Presbytery. The general committee shall annually
make a distribution of the men and means placed at its disposal, and
take action upon any other matters affecting the cause of home missions,
being governed in its proceedings by the "Rules for the Regulation of
Home Mission Work." It shall be the special duty of the Board of
Home Missions to carry out the plan of operations recommended by the
general committee, and revised and adopted by the General Assembly.
The Board shall have charge and oversight of the work of home mis-
Bions, and shall have power to meet emergencies arising during the year.
Vol. IV, p. 23, 1874.
[Amended by the adoption of the following:]
2. There shall be added to the General Committee one delegate from
iiomp: missions, board of. 179
the Board of Home Missions, to be .elected annually by tlie Board
Vol. V, p. 23, 1879. ^
3. Regulations of the Board of Home Missions.— [Regulations
tor the Board ot Home Missions were adopted. Vol. 1, p. 40, 1859 and
^^'^^^'^''^^'m'^'''- ^' '*• ^^^' ^*^^^'' ^'«'- ^' I'- 240, 1861; Vol. II, p.'olS,
l»bS. lliese regulations as thus amended were superseded by the fol-
lowing new regulations:]
1. Regulations you PRESBYXKniKS 1. Each Presbytery shall
appoint, annually, one delegate to represent it in the general committee
of home missions. If it be possible to avoid it, Presbyteries shall not
appoint as delegates persons receiving or expecting aid from the home
mission lund.
2. Presbyteries shall report annually, not later than tlie 20th of
April, to the corresponding secretary of the Boord of Home Missions:
[Amended so as to read : within five days after their spring meetings,
but not later than the 20th, etc. Vol. VI, p. 71 1, 1887.]
(o) The names of mission stations for which aid is needed, and the
amount which, in the judgment of the Presbytery, should be granted to
eacli one. °
{b) Tlie number of missionaries whose services they desire for the
next year.
(c) The names of all unsettled ministers and probationers connected
with the Presbytery, who are suitable and willing to receive appoint-
ments. ^ '
((/) Answers to any questions which the Assembly may authorize to
be addressed to them.
(e) The names of delegates to the General Committee.
[These reports are to be made by the superintendents of missions of
the several Presbyteries. Vol. VI, p. 4G8, 1886.]
3 In making recommendations for aid. Presbyteries shall observe
4^V i8--'l° ''"^''^ ■ '-^''"' ^""'■"'"^'^ °^ application for aid, see Vol. IV, p.
(0) No station shall be recommended in which the contributions of
the people are not in reasonable proportion to their ability, nor shall
any amount be asked beyond what, in the judgment of the Presbytery,
IS really necessary. "'
{h) Whenever practicable, mission stations and congregations shall
be grouped together in convenient pastoral charges, and no station shall
be recommended tor aid which can be conveniently united with a neicrh-
boring station or congregation in one charge, for which no help would
be necessary.
4. No station or congregation, not contributing to the Boards of the
Church, or which obtaining aid from the Board of Church Extension
refuses the required security, shall receive aid.
,.i- I'i'esbyteries shall assign the missionaries appointed to them to
ditterent stations as they may judge best, and shall be under obligations
to keep them employed, or otherwise to pay them at the re'^ufar per
diem. o f
6. Leave to supply themselves shall not be granted to stations and
vacancies when such permission would leave without employment mis-
sionaries assigned to the Presbytery, and willing to fulfill appointments.
180 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
7. Presbyteries shall not Tse under obliojation to find employment for
men not appointed to labor in their bounds, or merely referred back to
them.
8. When a missionary is settled by any Presbytery, who has unful-
filled missionary appointments outside its bounds, that Presbytery shall
supply his place out of the appointments made for it, if there be any.
9. In case any missionary shall fail to fulfill his appointments, with-
out giving satisfactory reasons, the Presbytery concerned shall report
the facts to his Presbytery.
10. Each Presbytery shall nominate, annually, to the General
Assembly, one of the ministers connected with it, for appointment as
superintendent of missions for the Presbytery. It shall be his duty to
superintend the mission work in his Presbytery; to obtain a quarterly
report from stations receiving aid, and from missionaries laboring in the
Presbytery; to make a quarterly report, in the form approved by the
Assembly, to the corresponding secretary of the Board of Home Mis-
sions; to receive from the treasurer of the Board, receipt for, and dis-
tribute the money appropriated to aid congregations and stations, and
in oreneral to act as the organ of communication between the Board and
the Presbytery, and perform such duties as the Assembly may direct.
11. Regulations FOR THE Geneual Committee — 1. The general
committee of home missions shall meet annually, at or near the place
appointed for the meeting of the Assembly, seven working days before
the session of the Assembly begins. A majority of delegates, duly ap-
pointed by Presbyteries, shall be a quorum.
2. The general committee when assembled, shall be called to order
by the corresponding secretary of the Board of Home Missions, who
shall be, ex-officio, pernjanent secretary of the general committee and
shall preside until an organization is effected. He shall call the roll,
and, if a quorum be found present, the organization shall be completed
by the election of a chairman and an assistant secretary.
3. The business of the general committee may be taken up m the
following order :
(a) Consideration of the Annual Report of the Board, so far as
necessary.
(b) Appropriation of money.
(c) Distribution of men.
(d) Miscellaneous business.
4. On the second day of the meeting two committees shall be ap-
pointed, the members of which shall be nominated by the chairman,
viz.:
(a) A committee on special missions.
(b) A committee on resolutions and recommendations to the As-
sembly.
[Eesolved, That the General Committee shall appoint a standing
Committee on New Stations, to which shall be referred all applications
for aid to such places. Vol. V, p. 561, 1882.]
5. In the appropriation of money the general committee shall keep
in view the interests of tlie whole field and the relative importance and
necessities of the different parts. The following order of procedure
may be observed :
HOME MISSIONS, BOARD OF. Ibl
(a) Fix the maximum amount to be appropriated.
(b) Take up the application of Presbyteries in the order in which
they stand on the secretary's record of reports.
(c) As each Presbytery is taken up hear the delegate from that
Presbytery, taking care to ascertain that the rules relating to recom-
mendations for aid have been observed, and then take action on each
separate application.
(d) When the list has been gone through, the appropriations may be
revised, if it is found necessary.
6. In the distribution of men, also, the general committee shall keep
in view the interests of the whole field, and the relative claims of dif-
ferent parts. Appointments shall not be made for less than three
months, except in the case of probationers expecting to return to the
theological seminary. Care shall be taken that the appointments of a
missionary be not unnecessarily scattered, and his reasonable wishes, if
known, shall be regarded so far as the circumstances of the case will
permit. The following order of proceeding may be observed :
(a) Take up the names of missionaries separately, in the order in
which they are entered on the secretary's book as reported by Presby-
teries.
(b) The delegate from the Presbytery reporting the name may be heard.
(c) Applications for his services may be received. If there are
several, they shall be noted by the secretary or his assistant in the order
in which they are recognized and announced by the chairman.
(d) Hear statement of claims from the different Presbyteries in
order as noted, and any other remarks.
(c) The vote shall then be taken. The following order in taking
the vote is recommended where there are several applications : I.
Let the request of competing Presbyteries be arranged and voted on in
order as follows: Those covering the whole year; those for more than
one quarter; those for the several quarters in order. 2. If for any of
these periods there are competing requests, let the vote in favor of each
competing Presbytery be taken by raising the hand, or by rising, and
let tlje highest vote decide.
7. Under the head of miscellaneous business, the general committee
shall receive and act upon the reports of committees, and take such
action as may be thought proper on any matter relating to the home
mission work.
8. When all business is thus transacted, a full report of the proceed-
ings shall be prepared. This report shall be signed by all the officers,
and shall be presented to the Assembly as soon as possible after the
opening of its sessions, for revision and final adoption. If possible the
whole report shall be printed and copies distributed among the members
of the Assembly, before it comes up for action.
III. Regulations for the Board 1. The Board of Home Mis-
sions shall meet on the second Monday of every month. At the first
meeting after the adjournment of the General Assembly in each year,
they shall elect from their own number a president and a recording
secretary to serve one year. They shall elect a treasurer, at the same
time and for the same term, and shall require from him such security
as may be judged necessary.
182 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
2. It shall be tlie duty of the Board to carry out the measures adopted
l)y tlie General Assembly, from year to year; to take general supervis-
ion and control of the work; to meet emergencies arising during the
year; and to make safe and proper investment of all funds int(;nded by
the donors or ordered by tlie General Assembly to be invested.
3. The Board is forbidden, exce])t in case of extreme necessity, to
grant appropriations of money to any station whose application for the
current year has been considered and rejected by the general committee
or the Assembly.
4. Near the close of each quarter, the corresponding secretary shall
forward to the superintendents of missions, blanks in the form approved
by tlie General Assembly, for quarterly reports. When the reports are
received, lie shall number them in the order of date of the application,
and shall draw orders on the treasurer nnmbered in the same order, for
the amount due to each Presbytery. In determining the amount due,
those stations only shall be counted which are reported by the superin-
tendent of missions as having fulfilled the conditions of the grant.
a. The treasurer shall pay the orders drawn by the corresponding
secretary in the order of their number. He shall pay the amount due
to each Presbytery to the superintendent of missions for that Presby-
tery. He shall not pay out any of the funds in his hands without an
order from the corresponding secretary, or from the President and re-
cording secretary of the Boar^l.
G. As a general rule no money shall be paid upon any appropriation
to which unfulfilled conditions are attached, without the authority of the
Board. The Board is required to exercise great caution in removing
or changing the conditions attached to grants of money, and shall not
do so in any case unless upon the formal re(iuest of the proper Presby-
tery, accompanied by a statement of reasons, entirely satisfactory to
the Board.
7. Before the meeting of the general committee of home missions in
each year, a full rej)ort shall be prei)ared and adoi)ed by the Board, de-
tailing its operations during the year; the conditions, prospects, and
necessities of the work entrusted to its care, and the recjuest of Presby-
teries for men and money for the ensuing year; together with such
recommendations as may be thought proper. This report shall be
printed, laid before the general committee of home missions on the first
day of its meeting, and also before the Assembly.
8. It shall be the duty of the corresponding secretary, before each
meeting of the general committee, to make out a roll of its members
fro:i' the official reports received by him from Presbyteries.
9. The Board shall see that the accounts of the treasurer are properly
audited at the close of each A'ear, and that this is ])roperly certified
upon his annual report.
IV. MiscELLANEors Regl'LATIOXs 1. All contributions for home
missions siiould be forwarded through tiie financial agent of the Presby-
tery to the treasurer, and the financial agent shall forward to the
treasurer at least once per (juarter.
2. Ministers engaged in secular employment shall not receive aid
from tiie home mission funds.
.3. Missionaries assigned to any Presbytery shall be for the time sub-
HOME MISSIONS, BOARD OF. 183
ject to the control of that Presbytery and sliall not leave its bounds
without permission. In case of inability to fulfill appointments, it shall
be their duty to notify the superintendent of missions.
4. Missionaries are earnestly exhorted to the performance of pastoral
-duty in the stations to which they may be sent. They shall make a re-
port of tl)eir labors at the end of each quarter to the superintendent of
missions of llie Presbytery, statinjj the time spent at each place ; what
amount of pastoral work has been done; whether they have been fully
paid so far as it was tlie duty of stations to pay them, and any other
facts of importance. Vol. IV, p. 159, 1875.
4. Amendments to the Regulations of the Board of Home
Missions. — Resolved, o. Tliat m tiie second rule of tiie regulations
for Presbyteries with reference to home mission?, sections {b) and fc)
be rescinded, and the following: adopted, viz.: That Presi)yteries be re-
quired to re{)ort each year the names of all unsettled ministers and
licentiates under their care who may be able and suitable for work, lo
the jreneral committee of home missions, for appointment, and also all
vacant congreprations and mission stations under their care, together
with the amount of preaching they may desire and are able to make
provision for during the coming year. Vol. IV, p. 339, 1876.
Besohed, [by the General Committee,] That the Assembly be re-
quested to restore the rule, [Regulations for Presbyteries, 2, c] which
required Presbyteries '' to report tlie names of all unsettled ministers
and |)robationers connected with Presbytery, who are suitable and will-
ing to receive appointments;" and that Pi-esbyteries be urged to carry
out the spirit of this rule. Vol. VII, p. 259, 1889. [Adopted by the
Assembly, p. 212.]
5. Special Missions. — Resolved, l. That at its next meeting, and
annually thereafter, the General Committee shall designate what mis-
sions shall be regarded as special missions, and shall refer such stations
to the Board of Home Missions for a given term of yeais in each case;
and it shall be the duty of the Board to make appropriations of money
and appointments of missionaries to such missions during the specified
term. Vol. V, p. 22, 1879.
4. That in order to preserve as far as possible the rights which the
principles of Presbyterianism give to the people to choose their religious
teachers, it shall be tiie rule governing the appointment of all stated
supplies, that no appointment shall be made for more than one year,
and no one shall have a second appointment to a position unless his ser-
vices have been asked for, or are known to be desired by the people over
whom he is to be placed. Vol. V., p. 223, 1880.
Whereas, It is essential to the plan of Sjiecial Missions, adopted by
the last Assembly, tliat the Board of Home Missions should be able to
secure the services of the most efiicient missionaries; and.
Whereas, It is essential that the rights of the Presbyteries which
have the oversight of said Special Missions, or mission congregations,
be preserved ; tiierefore,
Resolved, 8. Tliat it shall be the duty of the Board of Home Missions
lo report annually to the General Assembly the names of missionaries
whose services they have secured for tlie ensuing ecclesiastical year, and
the several stations for which they have secured them.
184 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
9. Before sending a missionary to any station, tlie Board shall obtain
the consent of the Presbytery having supervision of the said station or
congregation.
10. In the interim of the meetings of the Assembly, the Board shall
have power to appoint missionaries to special missions, which have been
committed to their care, provided that tlie consent of the Presbj'teries
having the oversight of said missions shall have been secured. Vol. V,
p. 223, 1880.
Resolved, 1. Tliat the relation, authority and duty of the Presbytery
to any of its churclies referred to the Home Mission Board as special
missions, are not, and cannot be, annulled or modified by such reference.
2. That while the executive duties imposed on the Board of Home
Missions do not deprive Presbytery of any of its authority, or release it
from any of its duties in earing for the spiritual interests of a church
which has been made a special mission, the organic law under which
the Presbytery holds its authority requires its most earnest co-operation
with the Board of Home Missions in the care of the spiritual interests
of such church.
3. If, during any part of its term as a special mission, the Board is
unable to supply a missionary to such church, it is the right and duty
of Presbytery to furnish such supply. Vol. VII, p. 656, 1891.
6. Sliding- Scale of Appropriations. — Resolved, 1. That the
appropriations to all stations wliich have been receiving aid for ten or
more years shall hereafter be reduced annually one-third of the amount
granted in 1882, or of the last preceding appropriation.
2. That the appropriations to all stations which have been receiving
aid for from five to ten years shall hereafter be reduced annually not
less than one-fifth of the amount granted in 1882, or of the last preced-
ing appropriation.
3. That the appropriations to all stations which have been receiving
aid for less than five years, and to all new stations, shall hereafter be
reduced annually not less than twenty per cent, on the fifth appropria-
tion.
4. That if any Presbytery should conclude that a station under its
care ought to be made an exception to the above rules, it shall, at least
two months before the meeting of the General Assembly, report to the
Board of Home Missions all the facts in the case, and the Board shall
report its finding of the facts, together with its judgment thereon, to the
General Committee.
5. That the Board of Home Missions be directed to introduce the
above principles into the regulations governing Home Mission work^
and report the regulations as thus amended to the next Assembly.
Vol. V, p. 561, 1882.
1. That the Sliding Scale System is hereby re-affirmed.
2. That the reduction of one-third on stations which have received
aid ten years or more, be changed to one-fourth.
3. That Rule No. 4, which requires Presbyteries to present cases for
exemption from the operation of the rules to the Board at least two
months before the meeting of the General Assembly, be modified so as
to read " Not later than the 20th of April."
4. That when a station has been exempted from the operation of the
HOME MISSIONS, BOARD OF. 185
rules, the amount of the last appropriation made shall be the basis on
which reduction under the scale shall be determined thereafter. Vol.
V, p. 766, 1883.
2. That in cases where congregations have been in good faith disor-
ganized, and afterwards organized in more favorable circumstances, the
years, during which aid has been received, sliall be counted in applying
the sliding scale, from the date of reorganization. Vol. VI, p. 68,
1884.
1. The Board advises a modification of the rules applying the slid-
ing scale so as to require uniformly one-fifth of the grant upon which
the reduction begins, as the reasons for any other scale of reduction no
longer exist. Therefore, Resolved,, that Rule No. 1, applying to the
sliding scale, be repealed. Vol. VII, p. 258, 1889.
7. Property of Congregations Receiving Aid to be Secured
to the Churcn. — Resolved, That as a condition of receiving aid from
the Home Mission fund, Presbyteries are required to give assurance to
the Board that the property of congregations asking aid is properly
vested in the United Presbyterian Church, and that as far as possible
they have complied with the rule of the General Assembly of 1873.
Vol. IV, p. 472. [This rule was amended, Vol. V, p. 741, 1883, and
again, Vol. VII, p. 213, 1889, and is as follows:
In trust that the said premises shall be used and kept, maintained
and disposed of as a place of divine worship, for the use of the ministers
and members of the United Presbyterian Church of North America,
Bubject to the Standards and Acts of said Church, as from time to time
authorized and declared by the General Assembly of said Church : and
in case the United Presbyterian Congregation of shall cease to
exist, be dissolved, or cease to be connected with and subject to the
jurisdiction of the General Assembly of the said Church, or shall lose
its corporate existence, the trust shall terminate, and the title shall vest
absolutely in the "Trustees of the General Assembly of the United
Presbyterian Church of North America," who shall then have the right
to sell and convert the same into money without any liability of the
purchaser to see to the application of the proceeds of such sale. And
whenever in the judgment of the said Trustees of the General Assembly
of the United Presbyterian Church of North America, it shall be proper
or right, for any cause, to terminate such trust and sell or otherwise
dispose of the said property, the said Trustees may, in their discretion,
act accordingly.]
Resolved, That Presbyteries be directed to make special inquiry in
the case of each congregation asking aid, whether the property is se-
cured according to the requirements of the General Assembly. Vol.
VII, p. 259, 1889.
Resolved, That the Board of Church Extension be required to fur-
nish the Board of Home Missions with a statement of the congregations
to which aid has been given by the Board of Church Extension, and
the security given by each congregation receiving such aid, that its
property siiall not be alienated from the United Presbyterian Church.
Vol. IV, p. 472, 1877.
8. Consolidation of the Boards of Home Missions, Church
Extension and Freedmen's Missions. — [The First Presbytery of
186 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Ohio memorialized the Assembly, Vol. IV, p. 636, 1878, for the con-
solidation of the Boards of Home Missions, Ciiurch Extension and
Freedmen's Missions, the organization of a new Board of two members
from each Synod to be nominated by tlie Synods and confirmed by the
Assembly, and the election of a general secretary who should give his
•whole time to the work. The following action was taken :]
Resolved., That the memorial of the First Presbytery of Ohio be pub-
lished, and the several Presbyteries report their views on this subject to
the next Assembly for final action. Vol. IV, p. 570, 1878.
The vote on this overture is as follows: Ayes, 97 ; nays, 543 ; not
voting, 36. Therefore,
Resolved, That these Boards be not consolidated. Vol. V, p. 23,
187U.
[A memorial from a missionary convention asked, with other changes,
the consolidation of the above Boards. It was referred to a committee.
Vol. VII, p. 413, 1890. The Committee reported against tiie consoli-
dation. Vol. VII, p. 732, 1891.]
9. Plan for Re-arranging the Work of the Board of Home
Missions. — [Tiie Presbytery of IMansfield asked tiiat a change be made
in the nietliod of carrying on the home mission work, by distinguishing
between vacancies which do not require aid and mission stations; and
also between unsettled ministers and licentiates, and those properly
enrolled as missionaries; by leaving vacancies, and unsettled ministers
and licentiates not enrolled as missionaries, entirely under the control
of their own Presbyteries; by organizing a corps of home missionaries,
carefully selected, and wiio will agree to be absolutely subject to the
appointment of the Board and Assembly, and who shall receive fixed,
uniform and liberal salaries; by appointing missionaries to mission
stations; and by requiring mission stations to pay their contributions for
the support of the gospel directly to the treasury of the Home Mission
Board. The following action was taken:]
Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to perfect a plan by
which the change proposed by the Presbytery of Mansfield may be
carried out; that this committee publish their report in the papers of
the church by the first of February next ; and that the several Presby-
teries present their views on this subject to the next Assembly. Vol.
IV, p. 570, 1878.
Resolved, 9. That the recommendations contained in the report of the
Board of Home Missions, " tiiat the Board shall have the entire con-
trol of all special missions, with power to grant all appropriations and
designate all missionaries," be referred to the special committee to pre-
pare a plan for re-arranging the work of the Board of Home Missions.
Vol. IV, p. 572, 1878.
\ Tiie vote on this overture is as follows : Ayes, 40 ; nays, 322 ; not
voting, 23. There are 22 Presbyteries that either took no action, or
acted only on a certain part, or parts of it.
Resolved, That the proposed re-arrangement be not made. Vol. V,
p. 22, 1879.
[A memorial was presented from a missionary convention asking a
change in the home mission system.]
Resolved, 5. "That this Assembly appoint a committee, consisting of
HOME MISSIONS, BOARD OF. 187
one member from each Synod, and the Corresponding Secretaries of
the Boards of Home Missions, Church Extension and Freedmen's
Missions, which committee shall meet and consider the whole subject of
changes in our home mission system, and report to the next General
Assembly." Vol. VII, p. 413, 1890. [The committee met at Indian-
apolis, Ind., and prepared a report to the Assembly. Vol. VII, p. 732,
1891. The following action was taken:]
Resolved, That be appointed a committee to perfect a plan in
detail by which the changes proposed in the Home Mission system by
the Indianapolis Committee can be carried out; that this committee
publish their report in tiie papers of the Church by the first of October
next, and that the several Presbyteries present their views on the sub-
ject at the next Assembly. Vol. VII, p. 645, 1891.
[For the report of this Committee, see Vol. VIII, p. 113, 1892. It
was adopted; p. 30, 1892. For amended Constitution and revised
Regulations, see Appendix to this Digest.]
10. The Appointment of General Missionaries.— ^e^o/yec?, 5.
That in cases of special necessity for missionary service, as in some of
the frontier Presbyteries, the Board recommend an appropriation of
money to be made for general missionary purposes, it being understood
that the work of exploration and of visiting distant and important
stations be done by an ordained minister, appointed either by the
Presbytery or by the executive committee at the request of the Presby-
tery ; and further, it is recommended that the appointment of a man to
fill the place of a settled minister, who may be employed in the work
above specified, be left with the executive committee. Vol. II, p. 42,
1864.
Resolved, 4. That two men be appointed by the Board a«» general
missionaries for the territory west of the Mississippi river, to explore
and preach, and with the consent of the' Presbytery in whose bounds
they may be laboring, to organize congregations and report monthly
their work to the Presbytery, and each of these general missionaries to
have a salary of $1,500 a year. Vol. IV, p. 339, 1876. [The ser-
vices of general missionaries were dispensed with. Vol. IV, p. 472,
1877.]
12. That the Board employ a special missionary to labor under their
direction in exploring and developing new fields, especially in Western
Kansas, Western Nebraska and Colorado. Vol. V, p. 710, 1887.
1. That in accordance with the judgment of the Board, concurred in
by the General Committee, and by the missionary, the appointment of a
special missionary be discontinued. Vol. VI, p. 58, 1888.
11. Presbyterial Missionaries. — Resolved, 2. That the Board be
authorized, with the advice and co-operation of Presbyteries, to appoint
Presbyterial missionaries to devote their whole time to missionary work
within such territorial limits, and for such times, as the necessities of
the field may justify, and to make provision for their support. Vol.
VI, p. 59, 1888.
12. Stated Supply "Dq^Q^..— Resolved, 8. That by '' stated sup-
ply," shall be understood hereafter the continuous labors of a missionary
lor not less than three months in one place. Vol. II, p. 177, 1865.
2. That discretionary power be given the Board so that in excep-
188 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
tional cases the appropriation granted by the Assembly upon condition
of Stated supply may be paid when preaching and pastoral labor have
been performed in one charge for six weeks successively. Vol. V, p.
190, 1880.
13. Rule for the Appointment of Stated Supplies. — Resolved,
4. That in order to preserve as far as possible the rights which the
principles of Presbyterianism give to the people to choose their religious
teachers, it shall be the rule governing the appointment of all stated
supplies, that no appointment shall be made for more than one year, and
no one shall receive a second appointment to a position unless his ser-
vices have been asked for or are known to be desired by the people over
whom he is to be placed. Vol. V, p. 223, 1880. [See also Sec. 24.]
14. Selection of Fields. — Resolved, 5. That Presbyteries be en-
joined to exercise due care in the occupancy of new fields, and select
those which promise the best immediate results. Vol. V, p. 724, 1883.
4. That we declare it to be unwise to establish missions in places
where other evangelical churches are at work in sufficient force to
supply the religious needs of the community, unless there be special
reasons for so doing. Vol. VI, p. 711, 1887.
14. A Boarding Place to be Provided for Home Missiona-
ries.— Resolved, 3. That in all cases, the mission station or vacancy, in
which the missionary labors, shall carefully endeavor to designate, as
far as possible, a fixed and convenient boarding place during the time
of his service in their midst : and the Presbyteries shall endeavor to
see that this regulation is faithfully carried out. Vol. II, p. 42, 1864.
Resolved, 7, That the question of boarding, or paying their [Home
Missionaries'] boarding be referred to the several Presbyteries to deter-
mine. Vol. V, p. 352, 1881.
16. Per Diem of Home Missionaries. — Resolved, That eight dol-
lars be allowed to missionaries for each Sabbath spent in missionary
service. Vol. I, p. 37, 1859.
[In reply to a memorial for the reduction of the per diem, the As-
sembly refused to take action. Vol. 1, p. 349, 1862.
Presbyteries were directed to recommend congregations, as far as
possible, to pay ten dollars per week. Vol. II, p. 42, 1864.
The compensation was advanced from ten to twelve dollars per Sab-
bath. Vol. II, p. 314, 1866.
Two Presbyteries memorialized the Assembly to raise the per diem
from twelve to fifteen dollars. The memorials were not granted. VoL
II, p. 495, 1868.]
The per diem of home missionaries should not be less than fifteen
dollars. Vol. Ill, p. 534, 1873.
Resolved, That the per diem of home missionaries be fixed at twelve
dollars. Vol. IV, p. 37, 1874.
17. Presbyteries are to Employ and Remunerate the Mis-
sionaries assigned them by the Assembly. — Resolved, l. That the
Assembly recognizes it as the duty of Presbyteries, who have asked and
obtained missionaries from the Board of Home Missions, and thereby
prevented their receiving appointments in other Presbyteries to employ
them, and to the extent of their ability, remunerate them. Vol. I, p.
225, 1861.
HOME MISSIONS, BOARD OK. 189
Resolved, C. That whenever a missionary is appointed to a Presbytery
at its request, that Presbytery be required to make up to^ liim for any
failures there may be in it to give him appointments. Vol. II, p. 42,
1864.
[See also Regulations of the Board of Home Missions for Presby-
teries, No. 5.]
18. Disabled Home Missionaries may Receive Half-pay.—
Resolved, 15. That missionaries of the Home Board are required to give
themselves wholly to the work, and as their compensation is insufficient
to enable them to lay up store against the day of need, —
16. That when these missionaries are broken down in the service of
the church, that during such disability they shall be continued on half-
pay, at the discretion of the executive committee. Vol. II, p. 314,
1866.
19. Duties of Home Missionaries.— -ffwoZret^, 4. That every mis-
sionary of this Board be required not only to furnish the ordinary ser-
vice of the Sabbath, but also to organize and attend to Sabbath Schools
and prayer meetings, to visit and catechise, and to use every means
which he conscientiously believes are in his power to promote the mis-
sionary work. Vol. II, p. 42, 1864.
Resolved, 4. That in adopting this report, the Assembly directs all
missionaries to fulfill their appointments, unless they can make arrange-
ments satisfactory to all parties concerned to be released, and until the
Presbyteries in whose bounds they propose to labor shall furnish accept-
able substitutes. Vol. IV, p. 166. 1875.
20. Pastoral Visitation Defined.— i^esoZvetf, That by pastoral
visitation is understood visitation with the purpose of promoting the
spiritual interests of those visited, and not simply social visitation. Vol.
IV, p. 472, 1877.
21. Congregations Grouped for Settlement. — Resolved, 5. that
the General Assembly instruct Presbyteries that they should group their
stations wherever practicable, so as to make it possible to employ Mis-
sionaries without aid from the Board, and that pastoral settlements be
encouraged wherever congregations so grouped have a reasonable pros-
pect of soon becoming self-sustaining. Vol. V, p. 352, 1881.
[The General Assembly directed the attention of the Presbyteries to
the above regulation] so as to secure self-supporting pastoral charges,
and so to arrange their mission work as to secure the wisest expenditure
of the Church's contributions. Vol. VII, p. 258, 1889.
22. Appropriations to Pastors. — Resolved, 3. That when an ap-
propriation is made to a place in which there is a settled pastor, it shall
be regarded as on condition of settlement, and ceases when the relation
is dissolved. Vol. 3, p. 139, 1870.
23. The Board to Keep a Roll of Missionaries — Resolved, 3.
The Board of Home Missions is hereby authorized to secure and keep
on record the names of ministers and licentiates who are willing to labor
as home missionaries, and to furnish to Presbyteries the names of such
as may be available to labor in mission fields within their respective
bounds. Vol. VII, p. 258, 1889.
24. Appointments for a Y%d.V.— Resolved, 4. As a general rule a
missionary shall not be appointed to a Presbytery for less than a year.
190 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
"When one is found to be available and suitable for any particular field,
the Board of Home Missions, with the endorsement and co-operation of
the Presbytery, may appoint him to that field, to be continued from
year to year as may be found advisable. Vol. VII, p. 258, 1889.
25. Delinquent Appointees to be Reported. — Resolved, 7. That
Superintendents of iVlissions be directed to report delinquent appointees
to their respective Presbyteries, in order that tiiey may be called to ac-
count for their delinquency. Vol. VI, j). 242, 1885.
26. Election of Delegates to the General Committee.— i?e-
solved, 2. Tliat Presbyteries be reciuested to ek'ct delegates to the Gen-
eral Committee as early in the year as practicable, and provide for hav-
ing them fully informed in regard to tlie congregations and stations for
which missionaries or grants of money are to be asked. Vol. VI, p.
711, 1887.
27. Aid Withheld if a Church is not "Rmli.— Resolved, 3. That
the Board be authorized to wilhiiold aid from any congregation that
has been organized over three years without having taken steps in good
faith to erect a church buildinjr. Vol. VI, p. 468, 1886.
28. Women to be Employed as Missionaries. — Resolved, A.
That we recognize with pleasure the efficiency of women as missionaries
in our home mission field, and encourage the employment of such valu-
able aid. Vol. VII, p. 460, 1890.
29. Representative of the Board of Church Extension in
the General Committee. — Reaohed, 8. That the Corresponding Sec-
retary of the Board of Ciiurch Extension, or some representative of that
Board, be directed to meet each year with the General Committee of
Home Missions, Vol. VII, p. 413, 1890.
30. Instrumental Music in Mission Stations.— See Church
Music.
31. Warm Spring's Indian Mission. — See Indians.
32. The Corresponding Secretary to Visit the Theological
Seminaries. — ResuU-ed, 3. Tliat the Corresponding Secretary be re-
quested to visit the Theological Seminaries and present the claims of
Home Mission work >to the students and urge upon them the duty of
entering upon this work. Vol. VII, p. 258, 1889.
LIV. HUTCHISON'S APPEAL.
[Revs. W. R. Hutchison and J. "W. Dorrance appealed from a
decision of the Synod of Kansas. It appeared that Sec. 4, Art. 3,
Chap. XII, of the Book of Discipline, had not been complied with,]
Therefore,
Resolved, That this case be dismissed on the ground of irregularity.
Vol. VII, p. 28, 1888.
LV. INDIANS.
Missions Among the Indians. — [A committee appointed by the
Fifth General Assembly on the propriety of establishing a mission
among the aborigines of our country, reported :] From the disturbed
condition of the tribes on our northern and southwestern borders, from
the means needed to carry on our missionary enterprises in other quar-
INDIANS. 191
ters, and the provision already made by other churches for the religious
instruction of tribes in the peaceful parts of our land, we are prepared
to recommend the adoption of the following :
Resolved, That there is not, at present, sufficient encouragement to
justify the Assembly in establishing a mission among the aborigines.
Vol. II, p. 4, 1864.
Resolved, IG. That the executive committee of the Board of Home
Missions be instructed to inquire into the practicability and desirable-
ness of establishing a mission in connection with our church among the
American Indians ; and should the executive committee deem it best, it
is hereby authorized to begin the work at once, it being the un-
derstanding that all the expenses will be borne by the United States
Government, and that we shall only be expected to furnish the mission-
aries. Vol. Ill, p. 2G4, 1871.
Resolved, Thai the executive committee of the Board of Home Mis-
sions be directed to consider the wants of the Indians, and, if they deem
it advisable, that they establish a mission among our North American
Indians. Vol. Ill, p. 405, 1872.
Resolved, 7. That this General Assembly take whatever steps are
necessary to secure from the General Government the transfer of the
fiuperintendency of the Warm Springs Indians, in Oregon, to the
United Presbytefian Church, and that the secretary of the Board, in
conjunction with Rev. S. G. Irvine, D. D., of Albany, Oregon, be ap-
pointed to secure, if possible, such transfer. Vol. IV, p. 339, 1876.
[The assignment of the "Warm Springs Indians to the United Pres-
byterian Church was secured, and the mission was undertaken. The
missionary was appointed in 1877, and arrived at the field early in
May, 1878. In 1879 there were 63 members. Voh IV, p. 604, 1878 ;
Vol. V, p. 52, 1879. The missionary resigned, and it was found diffi-
cult to obtain another, and therefore the Assembly gave the Board dis-
cretionary power as to the continuance of the mission. Vol. V, p.
766, 1883. The following Assembly directed further effiart to secure a
missionary, but in case of failure to secure a missionary within a reas-
onable time, the Board was empowered and instructed to relinquish the
charge of the mission. Vol. VI, pp. 67, 68, 1884. A missionary was
obtained, and the work was prosecuted. Vol. VI, p. 259, 1885.]
Mission Buildings. — [The General Assembly requested the Board
of Ciiurch Extension to erect the necessary premises. Vol. VI, 1885.
The Board reported that the buildings had been erected. The As-
sembly took the following action :]
Resolved, 4. That we now commit this property to the care of the
Board of Home Missions. Vol. VI, p. 669, 1887.
Contract for the Schools. — Resolved, That the Board be directed
to prosecute the endeavor to get the management of the school work
under contract with the Government. Vol. VI, p. 710, 1887. [The
following Assembly authorized the Board to perfect its contract with the
Government, and provided for the expenses involved. Vol. VII, p.
58, 1888. In consequence of the change of policy in the management
of the schools by the Government, no further effort was made in regard
to the control of the schools.]
Transfer of the Mission to the Women's Board.— ^[The Board
192 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
was authorized to complete the neo^otiations for the transfer of the mis-
sion to the care of tlie Women's Auxiliary Board, to be prosecuted as a
special work, under tiie primary jurisdiction of the Oregon Presbytery.
Vol. VII, pp. 451, 460, 1890. This transfer was made under the fol-
lowing regulations :]
*' Resolved, That this work is hereby transferred to the "Women's
Board, with the following understanding:
" 1. This action takes effect from July 1, 1890.
" 2. In the management of the work tlie Women's Board shall sus-
tain to the Presbytery of Oregon, to which the primary control and sup-
ervision of the AVarm Springs Indian Mission belongs, the same relation
now sustained by the Board of Home Missions.
" 3. The house erected at Warm Springs Agency as a home for the
missionary shall be held by the Board of Home Missions in trust for the
Women's Board ; the free use of said house to be given to the Mission-
ary as heretofore, and in case of sale the proceeds of the entire property
to be paid to the Women's Board.
" 4. All stated reports from the missionaries and all applications on
behalf of the mission shall be made to the Women's Board, through the
Presbytery of Oregon, and payments shall be made and accounts kept
by the Women's Board.
" 5. The Women's Board shall annually, in the month of April,
make to the Board of Home Missions a general statement of the condi-
tion of the mission and of the cost of its support during the year ending
with the 31st of March preceding.
*' 6. When missionaries are to be appointed or removed, and in all
other cases involving changes in the mission work or in the methods of
its management, the Women's Board shall not take final action until the
matter has been submitted to the Board of Home Missions for counsel
and advice.
" 7. The Board of Home Missions agrees to give advice and assist-
ance, when called upon, in the management of the work." Vol. VII,
p. 670, 1891.
LVI. JEWS.
Missions Among' the Jews. — Resolved, That * * * be a com-
mittee, whose duty it shall be to inquire regarding the accessibility of
the Jewish people in the United States to the influence of a simple Bible
Christianity, and to report to the next General Assembly ; and if the
result of their inquiry be favorable, also to report any other facts of im-
portance, as connected with such missionary enterprise, and designate,
if in their power, a suitable person or persons for the work. Vol. I, p.
157, 1860.
[This committee reported to the next Assembly, recommending the
establishment of a mission among the Jews in the city of New York,
Vol. I, p. 306, 1861, when the following action was taken :]
Resolved, 1. That the former committee be continued, and that they
issue an appeal in behalf of the Jews of our own land through the peri-
odicals of the church, embodying the facts in their report, and asking
special contributions for their benefit.
JEWS. 198
2. That the contributions thus obtained be used for the obtaining and
circulating such a Christian literature as is likely, by the blessing of
•God, to benefit the Jew.
3. Tiiat they continue their inquiries in reference to the accessibil-
ity of the Jews, and the best means of reaching them with a knowledge
of the Saviour, and report to the next Assembly. Vol. I, p. 219, 1861.
[On the recommendation of this committee the following resolutions
were adopted :]
Resolved, 1. That pastors of congregations be instructed to preach, as
soon as convenient, a discourse presenting to their people the claims
which the Jews in general, and those of them resid-ent in the United
States in particular, have upon the church, and urging the duty of con-
tributing for tlieir special benefit.
3. Tiiat, should the state of the treasury warrant such action before
the next meeting of the Assembly, the executive committee of the Board
of Home Missions be authorized to employ, at such salary as may seem
proper, an agent to labor amonir the Jews in New York, Philadelphia or
Cincinnati. Vol. I, p. 439, 1862.
Hesolced, 1. That this Assembly hereby expresses its continued inter-
est in the saving conversion of the Jews, and its desire to have the
United Presbyterian Church enter upon the work of their evangeliza-
tion whenever it is believed God has opened up the field and raised up
the man or the men to enter in and occupy it.
2. That this Assembly have confidence in Rev. Abraham C. Tris as
a minister of Christ and a friend of Israel, and recommend him to the
"work of visiting the churches and of endeavoring to excite in all who
love our Lord .Jesus Christ a new or a deeper interest in the salvation
of this long outcast and painfully spiritually needy people. Vol. II, p.
13, 1864.
Resolved, 1. That ministers be recommended to preach to our people
on the history and condition of the Jews as they illustrate the provi-
dence ot God, and the fulfillment of prophecy, and upon their prospect-
ive conversation and its influence upon the churcii and the world.
2. That special collections be taken up in all our churches for the
'estal)lishment of a fund for the mission, and that the supervision of this
fund be entrusted to the executive committee of the Board of Home
Missions.
3. That Rev. A. C. Tris be appointed to labor as a missionary
among the Jews, under the First Presbytery of New York, and that he
be paid by the Board of Home Missions at the rate of $800 per annum.
Vol. II, p. 168, 1865.
Resolved, 1. That this Assembly recognize it to be our duty as a
<!hurch, as God gives us ability and opportunity, to seek after the lost
sheep of the house of Israel in our midst.
2. That the mission to the Jews be placed under the Board of Home
Missions.
3. That Rev, A. C. Tris be assigned to the First Presbytery of New
Y^ork, to labor es])ccially among tlie Jews, under the direction of the
Presbytery, and that $1,000 be appropriated from the home mission
fund for the support of the missionary for the year. Vol. II, p. 315,
1866.
13
194 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEAIBLY,
Resolved, 3. That the Jewish mission in the city of New York be for
the present abandoned, and Rev. A. C. Tris be refenvd to the execu-
tive committee with a view to employ him as a missionary in a com-
munity of Hollanders. Vol. II, p. 410, 18G7.
[A paper from the American Christian Society for promoting; Chris-
tianity amon^ the Jews was referred to a special comniiilcc, Vol. Ill,
p. 113, 1870. This committee presented a report vhidi was noi
adopted. Vol. Ill, p. 139, 1870.]
LVII. KNIGHTS OF LABOR.
[The following; report was adopted :]
The Committee on Bills and Overtures, to which was ri'iriifd the
memorial of the Presbytery of Albany, finds it impossible to irpdri any-
thing of a decided cliaractt-r in regard to those associations, known as
" Knights of Labor," and other kindred associations, becaust- we have
no adequate knowledge of their true character, or of tiie forms and ex-
tent of the obligations whicli are assumed at the time of initiation.
There is, however, too much reason to believe that these associations
require a surrender of j^ersonal liberty to act in accoi'dance with llie in-
dividual's own conscience of right and wrong, and hence are an en-
tanglement and a snare, wliich we earnestly counsel all our members to
avoid.
Your committee would have the Assembly direct all our sessions to
carry out the rules of our church in dealing with any members who have
joined, or who may be about to join, any of the associations in que.-iion,
as they shall obtain such positive information as will enable them to act
intelligently in the case.
We recommend the adoption of the following, viz.:
Resolved, Tliat we enjoin upon all our members to abstain from con-
nection with any association which might lead to acts of violence, or to
the invasion of the rights of property, or interference with the liberty
of men to engage in honest labor wheie and when, and for whomsoever
they may choose. Vol. VI, p. 436, 1886.
LVIII. LEGACIES.
1. Permanent Investment of Legacies. — Your committee are
unanimous in recommending to the ditlerent Boards of the church the
setting aside of all legacies and bequests as a permanent investment,
believing that the or<iinary expenses of the Boards should be paid out
of the annual contributions of the church ; believing also that if such a
disposition could be maile of bequests, a mut:h larger sum would be
given to the Boards ; and that in a few vcjii-s these investments would
become endowments. Vol. Ill, p. 270, 1871.
Resolved, Tliat tjje Trustees of this Assembly be, and here!)y are, in-
structed to invest an}' becjuest tliej' may i-eceiveoii behalf of tlie Assem-
bly, and until otlierwise ordered, appropriate the i-evenues only to the
general work of the church. Vol. Ill, p. 419, 1872.
[A committee was appointed by the Assembly of 1872 to report an
answer to the question : " Shall Boards to wiiich bequests are made, in-
vest and use the income only, or at once use the entire legacy ?" Vol.
LEGACIES. 196
III, pp. 416, 417, 1872. This committee presented the following re-
port, which was adopted :] All legacies or bequests left to tlie General
As-^embly, or any of tlie Boards of the church, should be held as sacred
trusts, and used or disposed of only as directed by the testator ; but
when left, as is frequently the case, without specific directions to the
Trustees of the Assembly or the Boards of the church, such bequests
may be used temporarily, until the next meeting of the General As-
sembly, when all such legacies, together with all the facts connected*
with the same, shall be reported to the Assembly, and be subject to its
direction and order. Your committee would also express the opinion,
that unless urgent exigencies re(]uire the immediate use of bequests,
thev should be invested in undoubted securities, and the interest only
used. Vol. Ill, p. r>46, 1873.
6. That we recommend and direct that all moneys belonging to the
church, which are not accompanied by limitations or restrictions, shall
be kept for tlie use of the chui-ch, invested in such available securities
as can on short notice be converted into cash. Vol. V, p. 199, 1880.
7. That the Board [of Foreign Missions] be authorized to invest
temporarily any bequest that may come into their hands, which may be
used as collateral security in borrowing money in case of emergency, and
also to use so far as necessary said bequests after careful examination of
each case, in extending operations in fields already occupied, in securing
necessary buildings and providing such helps and apj)liances as are
judged necessary to the prosperity and success of the mission cause ; and
that so far as practicable these grants be made proportionately between
the two mission fields. Vol. V, p. 192, 1880.
Resolved, 3. That the bequests now made to this Board [of Home
Missions] be permanently invested, and the interest annually appropri-
ated to the work of the Board. Vol. Ill, p. 428, 1872.
Resolved, That hereafter any bequest made to the Board of Home
Missions that is not especially designated by the testator for investment
may be used to meet the current expenses of the Board. Vol. Ill, p.
565, 1873.
[A bequest was made to the Board of Home Missions, by Archibald
Stewart, Esq. A part of this was used to pay indebtedness and meet
the current expenses. The Assembly authorized the Board to invest
the remainder, and use the principal only in extraordinary cases, at its
discretion. Vol. V, p. 190, 1880.]
Resolved, 6. That the General Assembly direct the legacy of Archi-
bald Stewart, Esq., to be set apart as a reserve fund of the 13oard, from
which temporary loans may be made to meet pressing emergencies, and
that the management of said legacy be left with the Board, under such
restrictions as the Assembly may see fit to impose. Vol. V, p. 352,
1881.
2. General Rule Concerning- Bequests. — Resolved,!. That when
a bequest is made to the General Assembly, or its Trustees, for mission-
ary purposes, the Trustees be directed to appropriate it to the Boards of
Foreign Missions, Home Missions, Freedmen's Missions and Churchi
Extension, in the proportion in which the appropriations were made for
these Boards by the preceding General Assembly.
2. That when a bequest is made to the General Assembly without
J 96 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
iiny limitation, it be applied to all the Boards and to the General
-Assembly's fund, on the same principle. Vol. IV, p. 449, 1877.
LIX. LICENSURE.
1. Presbyteries to Exercise Care in Licensing Students. —
Mesoloed, Tliat the Presbyteries be enjoined to exercise tenderly, but
faithfully, their authority in judginjr of the piety, mental gifts and ac-
<juirements, and general fitness for the office, of all candidates for the
.ministry; to give them, during the progress of tiieir studies, the full
benefits of a seminary course, as also of such oversight as it belongs to
Presbyteries to take of their theological students ; and that they be es-
j)ecially enjoined to guard agaiiist premature licensures, or whatever
would unnecessarily come short of the established conditions of licensure.
Vol. Ill, p. 528, 1873.
Resolved, That Presbyteries be enjoined to adhere more strictly to
ihe instructions of the General Assembly in the licensure of young men.
Wol. IV, p. 450, 1877.
Jieso/ved, That as an able as well as a godly ministry is of the ut-
tinost importance to our success as a church, this General Assembly
earnestly exhort all our Presbyteries to exercise the greatest care
Ml training men for the office of tlie ministry. Voh IV, p. 592, 1878.
2. Presbyteries to Maintain Uniformity in Licensing Students.
'[In response to a memorial from certain persons, the Assembly adopted
■.the following:]
The memorialists represent that while the Book of Government and
Discipline, Part 1., Chap. V, Sec. 2, requires that in ordinary cases no
student of theology shall be admitted to trials for license until he has
completed a course of theological study of three full years after the time
-of his admission by the Presbytery, it is a well-known fact that many
students "receive license at the end of their second year." Such dis-
regard of the law of the church on this subject is on many accounts
'dee|)ly to be deplored. That law is a wise provision to guard the in-
troduction of persons into her ministry before they are fitted by previous
theological training for rightly expounding and dividing the Word of
Truth. Uniformity in its enforcement is of highest imf)Ortance ; other-
wise it becomes a dead letter. If some of the Presbyteries of the church
violate this law, its obsei-vance by other Presbyteries is of little or no
iivail, and the end for which it has been placed in our Book of Govern-
.'Mient and Discipline has been defeated.
Therefore, your Committee recommend to the Assembly the follow-
ing for adoption :
Resolved, That all our Presbyteries be and are hereby earnestly en-
joini-d to conform in letter and in spirit to the law of the church touch-
i«ig the licensure of candidates for the gospel ministry. Vol. V, p. 538,
1882.
3. Theological Students not to be Licensed till the Comple-
tion of their Regular Theological Oonise.— Resolved, 2. That it
be recommended to Piesbyteries not to license any student until he has
-completed the entire course. Vol. II, p. 486, 1868.
. Resolved, 6. That the Presbyteries be especially enjoined to guard
LICENTIATES. 197
against premature licensures, or what would unnecessarily come short
of the estaljlished conditions of licensure, which, according to our Form
of Government, Part II, Chapter o, Section 2, are that "In ordinary
cases, a student is not to be admitted to trials for license until he has
completed a course of tlieolojrical study of three full years after the time
of his admission by the Presbytery, and produced testimonials of good
conduct, and proficiency in his studies " Vol. Ill, ]>. 528, 1873.
Resolved,2. Tliat the committee take the liberty of expressing it as
their unanimous opinion, tliat the best interests of students require their
uninterrupted attendance during the tliree sessions previous to licensure,
an<l earnestly entreat Presbyteries to act accordingly. Vol. IV. p. 88..
1874. ■ . - 1
[The General Assembly of 1873 required the Presbyteries to report
10 each Assembly the names of persons licensed during the year and
the number of terms spent at the seminary. Vol. Ill, p. 529. The
First Presbytery of New York reported the licensure of two students at
the end of the second year. The Ibllowing action was taken :]
Resolved, 1. That the action of the First Presbytery of New York
in licensing students of Theology before the completion of their studies
be disapproved by the Assembly. Vol. IV, p. 184, 1875.
[The above order of the Assembly was annulled. Vol. V, p. SO^
1879. See Licentiates, Sec. 1.]
4. Change in the Time of Licensure.— [The Presbytery of
Wheeling, asked that the Book of Government be so changed as to admit
the licensure oi" students at the end of the second year. AVhereupon
the Assembly submitted the following overture :]
Shall Part II, Chapter V, Sec. 2, of the Book of Government and
Discipline be changed so that it shall read, '• In ordinary cases, no stu-
dent of Theology shall be admitted to trials for licensure until he has
completed a course of Theological study of two full years after the time
of his admission by the Presbytery, and produced testimonials of good
conduct and proficiency in his studies, and he shall be required to spend
a third session at the Seminary?" Vol. VII, p. 225, 1889.
[On this overture the vote was: ayes, 734 ; nays, 210. Thereupon-
it was]
RekoJved, That the General Assemldy does now enact that Part 11,.
Chap. V, Sec. 2, of the Book of Government Ije so changed that it shall
read as follows : [as proposed in the overture.] Vol. VII, p. 414. 1890.
5. Trials of Theological Students Need not all be Heard at
the Time of Licensure.— [The striking out of Part II. Chapter 5. Sec-
tion 4, first clause, " These trial exercises shall be iieard at the time of
licensure," was overtured to Presbyteries, Vol. Ill, p. IG, 18G'J, when
it was stricken out by the followinsr vote : Ayes, 549 ; nays. 52 ; not
voting, 21. Vol. Ill, p. 150, 1870!]
LX. LICENTIATES.
1. Licensures to be Reported to the Assembly.— /?^'so/rec7, That
Presbyteries be required to report to eacli (xeneral Assemi)ly the names
of persons licensed during the year, and to give account in each ca-^e of
the number of sessions spent at the theological seminary, auil the train-
ing given by the Presbytery itself. Vol. Ill, p. 52'.), l.s7o.
198 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
[Tliis action was le-affiTmed hv the Assembly, Vol. IV, p. 184,
i875.]
Resolved, 3. Tiiat tlie action of the Assembly of 1873, requiring
"Presbyteries to re|)ort to the General Assembly the names of persons
licensed during tlie year, and to give account in each case of the number
of sessions spent at the Theolojiical Seminary and the training given by
tlie Presbytery itself," be annulled. Vol. V, p. 39, 1879.
2. Licentiates Desiring to Attend the Seminary are to be
Released from Appointments. — Jtesolved, 3. That the Assembly
will give no appointments to any licentiate during the sessions, who
wishes to attend tiip seminary.
4. That the BomimI be authorized to release from his ap|)ointments
during the period of his attendance at the seminary, any licentiate who
desires to secure the benefit of such attendance, provided the Board is
able to fill his appointments by other missionaries. Vol. IV, 339, 1876.
{]See also Students.]
LXI. LOGUE'S COMPLAINT.
In the case of complaint by Rev. J. "W. Logue and others against the
decision of the Commission of the First Synod of the West, in the matter
of the appeal of Rev. S. R. Frazier and others from the Presbytery of
Cleveland, your committee would submit the following report: We
have examined the papers in this case and find that the complaint is not
regular because vre))iuturc ; it having been made against the action of a
Commission which had not yet reported to the court appointing it. The
4aw of commissions reads as follows: "It," that is, the Commission,
'' shall submit a full record of its proceedings to the court appointing it,
which, if the proceedings have been regular, and the Commission has
rot exceeded its powers, shall become part of the records of the court.
The right of dissent, protest and complaint, and the rules of pro-
cedure therein, siiall be tlie same as in full court. Tiie reason for pro-
test, appeal or complaint, shall be lodged with the Moderator or the
Clerk of the court appointing the Commission." (See Minutes of As-
sembly, Vol. V, p. 527, Sections 5 and 6.)
Now this language plainly implies that the records of the Commission
fihall be submitted to the appointing court, and be declared regular, and
within the limits of the Commission's power, before an appeal or com-
plaint against its action can be admitted. Until this action has been
taken by the appointing court, the higher court can have no access to the
records of the Commission in case of complaint or appeal, and could not,
therefore, issue the case. Also, the law declares that the reason for
protest or complaint shall be lodged with the Moderator or Clerk of the
court appointing the Commission. These conditions not having been
complied with in this case, we, therefore, recommend that the complaint
be dismissed. [Adopted.] Vol. VI, p. 419, 188G.
LXII. McCAUGHAN'S APPEALS.
First. [The following is a statement of the case:]
At a meeting of the Presbytery of Des Moines a memorial was re-
ceived from twenty persons claiming to be members of the congregation
m'cune's case. 199
of Oskaloosu, representing that they were aggrieved by the introduction
of instrumental music into the services of worship in said congregation,
and asking for such relief as the case required. In response to this the
Presbytery found that nine of these persons were on what was called a
"dead list" of members in the congregation, and of the remaining
fleven only five contributed to the support of the Church, and that to a
limited degree, and that only one had ever made complaint to session
iibout the "matter. For these reasons the Presbytery refused to grant
the petition of the memorialists. From this decision the present appel-
lant took an appeal to the Synod of Iowa. The Synod refused to sus-
tain his appeal, and from that decision he appeals to this Assembly.
[The action of the Assembly was:] Resolved, That the appeal be
sustained, because the lower courts passed judgment on the memorialists
unheard. Vol. Yl, p. G79. 1887.
Second. [Rev. C. T. McCaughan, D. D., appealed from a decision
of the Synod of Iowa in a judicial case. The action of the Assembly
was:]
Two kinds of cases may be appealed from a lower to a higher court:
First, A judicial case, in which the " right of appeal belongs to the
party against whom the decision is made." Second, Cases in which
■"the purity of the church or the interests of truth and righteousness are
injuriously affected by a decision," in which any member of the court
may appeal. The case before us is of tiie former class, and the parties
iigainst whom the decision is made have not appealed. There is no evi-
dence before us that they are even aggrieved.
In view of the above, and also in view of the fact that there is no
■evidence before us that the purity of the church or the interests of truth
and righteousness are injuriously aflected by the decision from which
tlie appeal is taken, and that it is not even so alleged in the appeal;
therefore,
Resolved, That the appeal is not legally before the Assembly. Vol.
VII, p. 210, 1889.
LXIII. M'CUNE'S CASE,
[Certain Presbyteries brought against Rev. Wm. C. M'Cune, of the
First Presbytery of Ohio, the charge of holding and defending funda-
mental and serious errors on the subject of church fellowship, and in
support of their charge, they referred to a book published by him. The
following action was taken :]
Resolved, 1. That the action of the Presbyteries in bringing this
matter to the notice of this Assembly be and hereby is approved.
2. That we regard it as inconsistent with that integrity which should
characterize the followers of Christ to espouse a profession, and under
the garb of that profession to assail its well known and acknowledged
principles.
3. That the case of Rev. Wm. C. M'Cune be submitted to the First
Presbytery of Ohio, of which he is a member, that proceedings may be,
if they are not already, instituted by that Presbytery, for his trial in
regard to doctrines which he has taught, or opinions which he has pub-
lished on the subject of church fellowship, represented to this Assembly
200 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
by several Presbyteries to be in opposition to our standards, erroneous^
and therefore censurable. Vol. II, p. 307, 1866.
[Mr. M'Cune was put on trial, and tlie case was broujfht before the
next Assembly by the appeal of Rev. Samuel "Wilson and others from
the decision of the Second Synod, acquitting him. It being shown that
the endorsement on the appeal was incorrect, the moderator of the
Second- Synod was allowed to correct the error, when the case was
issued by tlie Assembly. Vol. II, p. 398, 1867.] The question was
then put, — Shall the appeal from the decision of the Second Synod of
the West, acquitting Rev. W. C. M'Cune of the charge in the lirst
specification, namely: "making determined opposition to one of our
distinctive })rinciples, namely, the sixteenth article of the Testimony,"
be sustained? Ayes, 124; nays, 3; not voting, 7.
Shall the appeal from the decision of the Second Synod of the "West,
acquitting Mr. M'Cune of "holding and defending serious error on the
subject of church fellowship," be sustained? Ayes, 110; nays, 21 ^
not voting, 1.
Shall the appeal from the decision of the Second Synod of the West,
acquitting Rev. W. C. M'Cune of holding and defending fundamental
error on the subject of church fellowship," be sustained? Ayes, 91;
nays, 38; not voting, 3.
The vote was then taken viva voce on the main question as a whole.
The appeal was sustained. Vol. II, pp. 401, 402, 403, 404, 1867.
[The following was adopted as the final disposition of the case:]
The Assembly having sustained the appeal of Dr. S. Wilson and others^
from the decision of the Second Synod of the West, in the case of Rev.
W. C. M'Cune, charged with "liolding and defending serious and
fundamental error on the subject of church fellowship," hereby reverse*
the decision of the Synod, and declares said charge proved.
This judgment is not simply because of Mr. M'Cune's interpretation
of the 26th chapter of the Confession of Faith, or his "determined op-
position" to the sixteenth article of the Testimony, a part of the basis
of union on which this church was organized ; but also, because of his
enunciation and advocacy of principles which, if fully carried out,
would work a complete subversion of the church as a visible organiza-
tion.
By this judgment, Mr. M'Cune is fairly liable to the severe censure
of the church. But, in consideration of the facts that he appears to
have labored under a misapprehension of what the doctrine and law of
his church are on the subject of church fellowship, and that this ques-
tion is now definitely settled by a judicial decision of her highest court,
it is deemed sufficient to remit his case to his Presbytery, with instruc-
tions to admonish him that he must respect tl'e authority of the cliurch
in this decision, abstain from divisive courses, and follow the things
that make for peace. Vol. II, p. 406, 1867.
[A dissent against the legality of the ])roceedings in the case of IMr.
M'Cune was entered, Vol. II, p. 407, 1867, and answered. Vol. II, {>.
413, 1867.]
MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE. 2()1
LXIV. MANSES.
"Whereas, Tie necessity tliat each congrefration should have a manse
is so apparent and so pressing in most cases ; therefore,
Hesoived, That tiie Presbyteries under the care of this General As-
sembly be instructed to inquire of the churches under their care what
they have done, or what they propose doing, in behalf of this object, and
that in order to awaken additional attention to the subject, that the
Presbyteries address a pastoral letter to their churches, urging upon the
people the necessity ot taking early and earnest action to erect manses,
and thereby secure comfortable homes for their ministers. Vol. II, p.
298, 18GG.
See also, Church Extension, Board of. Sec. 25 : The Parsonage Fund.
LXY. MAPvRIAGE AND DIVORCE.
1. Sacredness of the Marriage Contract. — Resolved, 2. That we
enjoin our ministers to be iaithful in the instruction of the people on the
sacredness and binding chaiacter of the marriage contract. Vol. VII,
p. 422. 1800.
2. Marriage with Irreligious Persons. — Resolved, Tiiat it is the
duty ot parents to counsel and warn tiieir cliildren against the formation
of such matrimonial connections, and that ministers of the gospel should
show iVom the Scriptures tiieir dangerous tendency, with a diligence
proportioned to the danger to which young people are exposed from the
social influences with which they are surrounded. Vol. I, p. 224, 1861.
3. Marriage Within the Forbidden Degrees of Consanguin-
ity.— Resolved, 1. That ministei's be instructed to bring this subject be-
fore the people in their public ministrations, in order that the purity of
the marriage relation lie preserved.
2. Tiiat the Presbyteries and Sessions be directed by the proper exer-
cise of discipline, to enforce the established principles of tiie Confession,
in all cases where marriages have been contracted within the degrees
forbidden by the law of God. Vol. II, p. 319, 1866.
[The Session of Cedarville, Presbytery of Xenia, memorialized the
Assembly in reference to Chapter XXIV, Article IV, of the Con-
fession of Faith, requesting such a deliverance as would secure uni-
formity of action or conformity to the law. The following action was
taken :] It is submitted that the law on this subject is specilic ; that it
should be a part of the Church's organic law; has recently been re-
asserted by the Church, and inasmucli as no modification of the law, so
as to require re-overture, is asked, but only such a deliverance as
would secure consistent action by the inferior courts ; therefore.
Resolved, That faithful teaching be enjoined that infractions of the
law may be prevented, and that violations of the law be dealt with by
Sessions consistently with its spirit and design. Vol. IV, p. 446,
1877.
4. Marriage with a Deceased Wife's Niece. — Resolved, That
the foregoing question — Is it agreeable to the word of God, and the
standards of the United Presbyterian Church, for a man to marry his
deceased wife's niece ? — be answered in the negative. Vol. II, p. 503,
1868.
202 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
5. Marriage with a Deceased Wife's Sister.— [A Mr. Paden,
a member of the congregation of Bethel in the Presbytery of Mercer,
having married the sister of his deceased wife, was arraigned by the
Session, and the following sentence pronounced : " Resolved, That Mr.
Paden be admonished before the Session, and that a public intimation
of the same be made to the congregation." From this decision, a mi-
nority of the Session appealed to the Presbytery. Presbytery sustained
the appeal, and instructed the Session of the congregation of Bethel to
suspend Mr. Paden from the privileges of the Church until he gave
evidence of repentance. From this decision an appeal was taken, and
the case brought before the First Synod of the West. The Synod sus-
tained the appeal from the decision of the Presbytery. From this de-
cision, certain members of Synod appealed to the Aseembly. Vol. Ill,
p. 11, 186'J. This appeal from Synod was sustained; ayes, 6G ; nays,
62. Vol. Ill, p. 21, 1869.]
6. Overture with Reference to Marriage with a Deceased
Wife's Relatives. — Resolved, That the following question, a definite
answer to which, yea or nay, shall be reported to the next General As-
sembly, be and hereby is transmitted in overture to the Presbyteries of
the church, namely: Shall the declaration contained in the Westminster
Confession of Faith, Chap. XXIV., Sec. 4, "The man may not marry
any of his wife's kindred nearer in blood than he may of his own, nor
the woman of her husband's kindred nearer in blood than of her own,"
be repealed? Vol. Ill, p. 26, 1869.
[This overture was rejected by the following vote: Ayes, 127 ; nays.
536; not voting. 65. Vol III, p. 150, 1870.]
7. Polygamous Converts not Admitted to Membership.— [A
memorial and petition were presented against the action of the Presby-
tery of Sialkot concerning the admission of converts from heathenism
who have a plurality of wives to baptism and membership in the church.
As there has been no official communication from the Presbytery on
the subject, the Presbytery was directed to report to the next Assembly
their official action and the grounds on which it was based. Vol. V, p.
29, 1879. Tlie Presbytery reported accordingly, and the Assembly
took the following action:]
Resolved, 2. That the question really and properly brought before the
committee and the Assembly is the following, which is expressed in an-
other part of the paper : " Can a ])olygamist be received into the church
during its transition state in a polygamous country, with the express
understanding that this polygamy is only tolerated, and that while in
this state he (the polyganiist) can never be admitted to any official posi-
tion in the church ?"
On the question, as here stated, the committee reply in the negati%'e,
and declare that it is not proper to ad nit a polygamist to membership in
the church, even under the circumstances specified. Vol. V, p. 188,
1880.
8. Divorce. — Resolved, That these questions be referred to a select
committee, to report to the next Assembly, viz.: 1. Does a divorce, se-
cured on the ground of wilful desertion, leave the party at liberty to
marry again ? 2. If not, and yet a member of the church marries such
a person in good faith and under the impression that it is entirely law-
MAKSHALI.'S APPEAL. 203
ful, liow far should a church court extend forbearance in such a case?
Vol. HI, p. 17, 1869.
[Majority and minority reports were presented. Vol. HI, pp. 408-
412, 1872, the former maintaining that "the Scriptures allow but one
justifiable cause of divorce," viz., adultery, the latter concludinir with
the resolution, "that the doctrine of divorce is scrij)turallv exhibited in
the teaching of the Westminster Confession on the subject." These re-
ports weie referred to the next Assembly, by which tlieir consideration
was indefinitely postponed. Vol. Ill, j). 547. 1873.]
The Presbytery of "Westmoreland ask that the necessary steps be
taken to have the words, "or such wilful desertion as can in no way be
remedied by the Church or civil magistrate," be stricken from Section
6, Chapter XXIV. of the Confession of Faith. For various reasons it
is not thought best, at the present time, to submit such an overture to
the Presbyteries ; therefore.
Resolved, That the prayer of the memorialists be not granted. Vol.
VII, p. 20, 1888.
y. Divorce Legislation. — Resolved, 2. That there is a loud call for
some legislation to secure uniformity in the matter of divorce, and pre-
vent the great and growing evils so appalling under the present regula-
tions.
3. That this Assembly earnestly invokes State governments to take
measures to secure such legislation, and allow divorce only upon Scrip-
tural ground. Vol. V. p. 40, 1884.
1. That we as a Church most emphatically condemn all laws relating
to divorce, which |)ermit the l)reaking up of the marriage relation on
other than Scriptuial ground, and declare that the nation and people
that permit such laws to exist are in imminent neril of the judgments of
God. ^ '' °
4. That we advise all our people to use their influence in endeavor-
ing to secure the repeal of all divorce laws that are contrary to the
Scriptures, and the enacting of such State and National laws as shall
recognize onlv Scriptural grounds for divorce. Vol. VII, p. 422,
1890.
10. Ministers Forbidden to Unite in Marriage Persons Un-
SCripturally Divorced. — Resolved, l. That in the judgment of this
Assembly no minister should join in marriage any person who is known
to have been divorced on other than Scriptural grounds. Vol. VI, p.
40,1884. " ^
3. That it is contrary to the law of God for any minister or otlier
officer to unite in marriage parties, one or both of which have been sep-
arated from former partners on other than Scriptural grounds, even al-
though the State may recognize such marriage as lawful. Vol. VII, p.
422, 1890.
LXVI. MARSHALLS' APPEAL.
[The appellants, Eleanor, Jaue L. and Catharii^.e Marshall, were
libelled by the Session of the Amity congregation, to which they be-
longed, for neglect of ordinances. At the time set for trial, the accused
sent in papers declining the authority of Session, on the ground of in-
competency. Their reasons were deemed gioundii'ss by the Session,
204 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
and the appellants were cited to appear a second time for trial ; when
they all appeared, and again declined the authority of the Session, and
protested ajruinst the action of the Session in deciding their declination
unwarrantable ; and appealed to Presbytery. The accused then left the
court, and in their absence they were tried and convicted of the charge
contained in the libel. Tiie only question coming belore the Presby-
tery was the competency of the Session to try the case. 'I'he Presby-
tery sustained the Session, regarding it as competent, and the declina-
ture of the accused as unwarrantable. An appeal was taken from the
Presbytery to the Synod of Ohio. In Synod the appeal was not sus-
tained, thereby affirming the decision of tiie Presbytery. From this
action an appeal was taken to the Assembly, but the appeal was not
sustained, and the concurrent decisions of tiie lower courts were
affirmed. Vol. II, p. 297, 1866. Tlie appellants protested against this
action. Having removed from their former place of residence, the As-
sembly, on the ground that meml)ers under suspension are still under
the jurisdiction of the Church courts, passed the following resolutions :]
Resolved, 1. That Eleanor, Jane L., and Catharine Marshall be and
hereby are placed under the care of the Session of the First congrega-
tion, Monmouth.
2. That tiie Session of Amity congregation be and hereby is directed
to transmit to the Session of the First congregation of Monmouth all
the papers in their possession pertaining to the case. Vol. Ill, p. 276^
1871.
LXVII. MATHEWS' MEMORIAL.
[Rev. G. D. Mathews presented a memorial, complaining of certain
action on the part of the Second Presbytery of New Yoik. The As-
sembly returned his memorial, on the ground that tlie Synod of New
York was the proper court in which to seek to redress. Vol. IV, p. 27,
1874.]
LXVIII. MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH.
Terms of Admission to Membership. — The United Presbyte-
rian Church has explicitly declared that an adlierence to the Westmin-
ster standards and to the declarations contained in iier testimony will be
required of those seeking communion with her. Vol. I, p. 61, 1869.
2. Tenderness in Admitting Members. — In the case of the ad-
mission of members. Sessions are affectionately recommended to use
great tenderness towards the weak or such as are earnestly inquiring
after the truth. Vol. II, p. 31. 1864.
3. Jurisdiction of Church Courts over Dismissed Members.
— Have tiie courts of tliis church jurisdiction over ministers and mem-
bers dismissed to other churches equal to that exercised over ministers
and members dismissed to other Presbyteries or congregation of the
United Presbyterian Church? As the granting of a certificate of dis-
mission is not the same thing as excommunication, or deposition and
excommunication, and as it cannot take the holder of it out of the power
of the court wliicli granted it till it has been presented to another court
and accepted by it ; therefore.
Resolved, That the above question be answered in the affirmative.
Vol. Ill, p. Iu8, 1870.
MEMORIAL, THE LIMIT OF. 205
4. Duty of Sessions to Members Removing — Resolved, l. That
sessions be enjoiin-d to exercise u Caitiitul oversight of the congregation,
and of every individual member thereof, observing as far as may be
possible the conduct of those who remove to other localities, frequently
reminding them by letter, or otherwise, of their duty to continue in the
communion and fellowsiii)) of the church, and warning them not only
of the danger of losing theii' standing in the church, but of the dishonor
they do to religion and the injur}' they bring upon their own souls.
2. Tiiat any member who, after being thus admonished, continues
out of the communion of the ciiurch for one year without furnishing
satisfactory reasons to the session, may be indefinitely suspended and
liis name stricken from the roll of members. Vol. V, p. 34, 1879.
1. Tiiat j)astors and sessions be urged to look after members remov-
ing from the boun<ls of their respective congregations, so that they may
be saved to our branch of the Church. Vol. VI, p. 16, 1884.
"). Blank Certificates for Members Removing. — Resolved^ 2.
That the Board of Publication be directed to consider the propriety of
publishing, for the use of the Church, a book of blank certificates of
membershi]), to include also the baptized membership, in which there
shall be added to tiie form now in use, forms for notifying sessions con-
cerning persons certified to them, and for acknowledging their recep-
tion. Vol. VI, p. 17, 1884.
G. Names of Members Removing without Certificate to be
£rased from the Register. — Resolved, 3. That any member leaving
a congregation without applying ior the usual testimonials, and remain-
ing away lor two years, the session in the meantime having no knowl-
edge of his deportment shall remove his name from the church register.
Vol. V, p. 34. 1879.
7. Unpaid Subscriptions of Members Removing from one
Congregation to Another. — Resolved, That when church members
sutter the pastoral year lo expire without withdrawing their names from
the suliscription list. Sessions are authorized to withhold the certificates
of such withdrawing meml)ers until they pay all their pecuniary liabil-
ities for the ])astor's salary up to the time of their removing, and pay,
also, their share of the benevolent contributions of the congregation
wherein they are reported in the statistical table as being members.
Vol. IV, p. 43, 1874.
LXIX. MEMORIAL, THE LIMIT OF.
A Case may not be Transferred to a Higher Court by
Memorial. — in the case of the memorial Irom tiie session of the Second
Chuicii of Xenia, Ohio, the paper itself shows that this memorial was
laid before the Presbytery of Xenia, and that said Presbytery took
action thereon, which was not satisfactory to the memorialists. They
now seek to bring their case from the Presbytery to this Assembly in an
irregular manner. Your committee therefore recommend, that the paper
be returned to IJev. J. G. Carson, D. D., as Moderator of the session,
for the following reason :
Because a memorial is not one of the methods by which '■'every de-
cision in any church court is subject to the review of the superior court,"
206 DKiEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEiMBLY.
and l)y which a case may be brought from an inferior to a superior
court. Book of Discipline, Chapter XII, Section 2. Vol. VII, p. 24,
1888.
On that part of the Xenia memorial in which a complaint is made of
the action of the last Assembly in returning this memorial to the
Moderator of the Session, your Committee recommend tiie adoption of
the following:
Inasnuicii as we have not all the facts before us whicli influenced the
last Assembly in its action on said memorial, tlierefore,
Resolved, That this memorial be published in tiie minutes of this As-
sembly, and that we give no expression of opinion on the matter. Vol.
VII, p. 222, 1889.
LXX. MINISTERIAL RELIEF, BOARD OF.
1. Aged Ministers' Fund. — [On the recommendation of the Board
of Home Missions, Vol. 1, p. 3G9, 18G2, a committee was appointed to
prepare a plan for the establishment of a fund for the support of aged
and infirm ministers, Vol. I, p. 345, 18G2. This committee presented
a report, which was adopted, creating '• The Aged and Infirm Ministers'
Fund," requesting pastors to bring the subject before their people and
take up a collection, and appointing a committee to mature plans for the
management of tlie fund, and report to the next Assembly. Vol. I, p.
347, 18G2. This committee reported a plan creating a fund for the re-
lief of superannuated and disabled ministers, and the widows and families
of deceased ministers, this fund to be raised by annual collections and
placed in the hands of the Trustees of the General Assembly, to be dis-
bursed on the recommendation of the Presbyteries having charge of
the applicants, the fund to be managed by a committee of at least three
of the Trustees, the chairman of whom should keep the subject before
the church ; the Trustees to report to the General Assembly.
In order that there might be a permanent fund, the principal to be
invested by the Trustees of the General Assembly, donations and lega-
cies were solicited. Vol. II, p. 14, 1864.]
[A Committee was appointed by the Assembly of 1868 to inquire
into the [jropriety of making provision for the support of indigent widows
of deceased ministers. Vol. II, p. 501, 1868. The plan reported was
referred to the Presbyteries, Vol. Ill, p. 34, 1869, and was rejected.
Ayes, 60 ; nays, 69 ; not voting, 13. Vol. Ill, p. 150, 1870.]
[The subject was again brought before the Assembly in 1873, when
the Board of Ministerial Relief was established. Vol. Ill, p. 545, 1873.]
2. Charter of the Board of Ministerial Relief.— [Granted by
the Court of Common Pleas, No. 2, of Pi)iladelphia, Pa., May 8, 1875,
recorded in the office for recording deeds for said county in Charter Book
No. 2, page 126, etc., and accepted by the General Assembly, Vol. IV,
p. 163, 1875.]
The petition of John B. Dales, D. D., W. W. Barr, D. D., James
McCandless, John Alexander, Wm. Getty, Wm. Arrott and George B.
Shelton, all of the city of Philadelphia, and James Brown, of the city
of Pittsburgh, respectfully represents :
1. That the United Presbyterian Church of North America has, by
MINISTERIAL RELIEF, BOARD OF. 207
its General Assembly, appointed and constituted your petitioners, to-
gether with Henry Harrison, of the city of New York, a Board or com-
mittee thereof to efiectuate the ends hereinafter set forth.
2. That your petitioners, together with the said Henry Harrison,
have heretofore, as a voluntary association, performed the trusts im-
posed upon them by their appointment, as aforesaid.
3. That the business of the said association, or Board, would be
greatly facilitated by their erection from a voluntary association into a
corporation and body politic.
4. That your petitioners therefore desire to avail themselves of the
provisions of an Act of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, approved April 29tli, A. D. 1874.
5. That, under the provisions of the said Act, they certify as follows :
I. That the proposed name of the contemplated corporation is " The
Board of Ministerial Relief of the United Presbyterian Church of
North America."
II. That the purpose for which it is formed is the relief of disabled
and superannuated ministers, and the widows and orphans of deceased
ministers of the said Church.
III. That the places of business of the proposed corporation are :
First, the city of Philadelphia, and second, such other phices as may be
designated by the General Assembly of the said Church.
IV. That its existence is to be perpetual.
V. That there is no capital stock, and no subscriptions thereto, and
consequently your petitioners cannot certify the residences of any such
subscribers.
VI. That the number of its directors is nine, three of whom shall be
elected annually by the General Assembly of the United Presbyterian
Church of North America; the directors for the present year are your
petitioners, and the said Henry Harrison, whose names and residences
are herein set forth.
Your petitioners therefore pray, as follows:
I. Tliat your honors will decree, that three or more of the petitioners
herein named, and named in the certificate of the recorder of deeds,
hereunto annexed, having acknowledged this petition as their act and
deed, and due proof of tiie publication of notice of intention to apply for
the benefit of the above named act, having been required and heard
upon the recording in the office of the recorder of deeds for Phila-
delphia, as well of this petition and the certificate of acknowledgment
thereof, as the decree thereon, your petitioners shall be a corporation
under the laws of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
II. That the corporate name of the said corporation shall be "The
Board of Ministerial Kelief of the United Presbyterian Church of North
America."
III. That by that name your petitioners and their successors in the
above recited trust shall have perpetual succession.
IV. That by that name it shall have power to maintain and defend
judicial proceedings.
V. That it shall have power to make and use a common seal and
alter the same at pleasure.
VI. That it may hold, purchase and transfer such real and personal
■208 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
property as the purposes of the corporation may require, and may re-
ceive and liold any and all bequests, devises, or legacies which may be
^iven to it, conditionally or unconditionally, in fee simple, or for a
lesser estate; provided that it shall not hold real estate to an amount,
the clear yearly value, or income whereof, shall exceed twenty thousand
dollars.
VII. That it shall have power to appoint and remove such subordinate
olficers and agents as the business of the corporation requires, and to
allow them a suitable compensation.
VIII. That it shall have power to make by-laws, not inconsistent with
law, for the management of its property, the regulation of its affairs,
and the investment, funding and distribution of its moneys.
IX. That it shall have power to enter into any obligation necessary
to the transaction of its ordinary affairs.
X. That it shall have all and singular the powers not herein above
specified, which may be enjoyed by corporations created under and by
virtue of the act aforesaid. And your petitioners will ever pray, &c.
Vol. IV, p. 215, 1875.
3. Constitution of the Board of Ministerial Relief.— [A Con-
litution tor the Board of Ministerial Relief was adopted. Vol. IV, pp.
28, 76, 1874; repealed. Vol. IV, p. 183, 1875, being superseled by the
general constitution of the Boards and the following new constitution:]
1. This Board shall be styled "The Board of Ministerial Relief of
the United Presbyterian Church of North America," and shall be
located in the city of Philadelphia.
2. The object of this Board shall be the relief of disabled and super-
annuated ministers, and the widows and orphans of deceased ministers
of the United Presbyterian Church.
3. This relief shall be granted only to ministers who are in good
standing in the United Presbyterian Church, and to the families, in said
church, of ministers who were in such standing at the time of tiieir de-
cease, and, ordinarily, relief shall not be extended to children over six-
teen years of age. Vol. IV, p. 25, 1874.
4. Regulations of the Board of Ministerial Relief. — [Adopted
by the General Assembly. Vol. IV, p. 183, 1875.]
1. Regulations 1. This relief shall be granted only to ministers
who are in good standing in the United Presbyterian Ciiurcli, and to
the families in said church of ministers who were in such standing at
the time of their decease, and, ordinarily, it shall not extend to children
•over sixteen years of age.
2. All applications for relief shall be accompanied by a certified
statement endorsed by tiie Presbytery to which the applicants belong,
or in whose bounds they reside, stating the condition and circumstances
of the applicants, and every renewal of application shall be accompanied
by a similar statement, including any changes that may have occuired
during the year, and no appropriations shall be made in any case unless
these conditions are complied with.
\_Amendtnent Resolved, 1st. That the rules regulating the operations
of the Board be so changed, that aid can be granted in cases of renewal,
by simple application of Presbytery, signed by the Moderator and
Clerk. Vol. VI, p. 17, 1884.]
MINISTERIAL RELIEF, BOARD OF. 209
3. "While the responsibility of recommending applicants rests with
the Presbyteries, and shall largely govern the action of the Board, yet
the Board shall reserve to itself the right to appropriate according to the
merits of each case and the state of the treasury.
4. The fund of this Board shall be created by annual contributions
from the churches, from endowment donations, and from legacies.
5. All bequests and special donations, when not otherwise designated,
shall be vested in a permanent fund.
6. The annual contributions and offerings from churches and in-
dividuals, and the interest from the permanent fund, shall form a con-
tingent fund, which shall be used in carrying out the object of the
Board.
II. By-Laws — 1. The stated meetings of this Board shall be held
quarterly, viz.: On the first Tuesday of July, October, January and
April.
2. The election of the officers shall be at the first meeting after the
General Assembly each year.
3. All moneys paid out by the treasurer shall be on the order of the
Board or executive committee, signed by the president and secretary.
4. The following shall be the order of business: 1. Prayer. 2.
Reading of the minutes. 3. The report of the executive committee in
writing. 4. The correspondence of the secretary. 5. The report of
the treasurer in writing. G. The reports of committees. 7. Applica-
tions for relief. 8. Granting of orders. 9. Unfinished business. 10.
New business. 11. Adjournment. Vol. IV, p. 76, 1874, p. 183, 1875.
4. Conditions of Grants to Beneficiaries. — i- Grants to bene-
ficiaries are made only on application of Presbytery. The Board re-
serves the right to accept or reject, or alter the amount, as the state of
the treasury, or other circumstances, warrant.
2. All moneys are remitted quarterly, in June, September, Decem-
ber and March.
3. Grants are made always for one year. Vol. V, p. 71, 1879. [For
renewal, see above, under Reg. 2.]
0. Presbyteries to Aid in the Work. — Resolved, 3. That Pres-
byteries be reminded of the importance of seeking out and reporting to
the Board, all requiring aid. Vol. VI, p. 17, 1884.
6. Limitation of Grants. — Resolved, 3. That the Board be, and
hereby is, instructed to limit the distribution of its funds to the objects
designated in the charter. Vol V, \>. 361, 1881.
7. Report of the Board — Resolved, 2. That we request the Board
to publish in their annual report, 1st, the number of disabled and de-
pendent ministers ; 2d, the number of dependent families ; 3d, the
whole amount each has received up to date, designating them by con-
secutive numbers ; 4th, the whole amount disbursed to date ; 5th, the
amount of the endowment fund. Vol. VII, p. 216, 1889.
8. Endowment Fund. — Resolved, l. That the Assembly establish
a permanent endowment fund, and aim, in the course of time, to in-
crease it to the amount of $50,000, including the amount already in-
vested by the Board. Vol. IV, p. 448, 1877.
[The Assembly asked special donations for this fund. Vol. V, p. 26,
1879.] [The amount to be raised for the Endowment Fund was in-
14
210 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
creased to $100,000. Vol, VI, p. 678, 1887. This fund now amounts
to $92,000. Vol. VII, p. 70G, 1891.]
9. Mutual Aid Association. — [The Board of Ministerial Relief
reported a plan for a Ministers' Mutual Aid Association. Vol. IV, p.
78, 1874. It was not adopted.]
LXXI. MINISTERS.
1. Ministers From Other Churches. — [The following overture
was submitted to Presbyteries :] Presbyteries shall carefully examine
as to their doctrinal views all ministers and licentiates from other de-
nominations applying for admission to this Church, and they shall sub-
ject those admitted from foreign churches to a probation of not less than
six months, previous to their settlement over any congregation. Vol.
I, p. 358, 18G2.
[The vote on this overture was, ayes, 411 ; nays, 56; not voting, 7.
Vol. I, p. 490, 1863. No action was taken by the General Assembly,
except the record of the vote. The rule does not appear in the Book
of Government subsequently adopted.]
. 2. Ministers Supplying in Vacancies. — Resolved, 2. That min-
isters and licentiates be and are hereby forbidden to make any arrange-
ments with congregations for preaching, except through the Presbytery
under whose care such congregation may be. Vol. IV, p. 339, 1876.
5. That sessions of vacant congregations in seeking to have their pul-
pits filled, together with ministers and probationers desiring employ-
ment or settlement, be directed to apply to the respective Presbyteries
to have their wants supplied, and also to conform to the rules of the
General Assembly respecting Home Mission work. Vol. V, p. 20,
1879.
3. Rights of Unemployed Ministers. — [The Presbytery of Keo-
kuk asked for a rule that only ministers actually engaged in the work of
the ministry, be counted in the basis of representation in the Assembly.
The Assembly took the following action :] The rights and privileges,
pertaining to the ministerial office are not founded on the exercise of
that office. By ordination to the office of the ministry, authority to
govern as well as to teach is conferred. The non-exercise of the right
to teach does not in any way affect the right to govern. Vol. IV, p. 440,
1877.
4. Increase of the Number of Ministers. — The Directors of
the Allegheny Theological Seminary asked the Assembly to take steps
looking to the increase of the ministry. A committee was appointed to
have charge of this matter for the coming year, and to report to the
next Assembly. The committee reported tliat a letter to the churches
had been prepared and published in the Church papers, and, subse-
quently, by the Allegheny Seminary. Vol. VII, p. 215, 1889 ; p. 502,
1890.
Resolved, That we urge upon parents and pastors throughout the
Church to use wise endeavors to turn the promising young men into the
ranks of the ministry. Vol. VII, p. 460, 1890.
5. That ministers and elders, and especially our college professors, be
urged to press upon young men the claims of God upon them for the
work of the gospel ministry. Vol. VII, p. 635, 1891.
MINISTliY, AVITHDKAWAL FKOM THE. 211
5. Ministers in Secular Pursuits.— [Tlie Garnett Presbytery
asked that the law of the Church be so amended as to exclude ministers
who are devoted to pursuits from the right to vote in cases of discipline.
The Assembly adopted the following :]
Desirable as this change may appear, we yet think that ministers, who
are in good standing, cannot with propriety be deprived of this right.
As long as they have the right to preach, they have, according to Pres-
byterianism, (which we hold to be the law of Christ,) a right to rule,
and this includes the right to vote in cases of discipline. Vol. VII n
15, 1888. ' ^'
(3. Inefficient Ministers may be Removed.— Resolved, 5. That
. . Presbyteries be earnestly requested to exercise a more watchful
care over the churches and promptly remove ministers or eldere when it
is known that congregations are declining because of their inefficiency, -
Vol. VII, p. 640, 1891. ^
7. Record of Deceased M.imsters. —Besolved, 3. That a brief re-
cord of deceased ministers be preserved in the minutes of the Assembly
in suitable tabular form. Vol. IV, p, 171, 1875.
Resolved, 2. That the record of ministers deceased be published in the
minutes from year to year. Vol. IV, p. 585, 1878.
Resolved, 3. That the report of the Permanent Committee on Narra-
tive shall give, in statistical form, an account of the deceased brethren
as to parentage, time and place of birth and death, collegiate and theo-
logical education, their places of labor and kind of employment, &c , &c
Vol. V, p. 359, 1881. ' » •
8. Memorial Service for Deceased Ministers.— i?eso?wrf, 2u
That the Permanent Committee [on Narrative] be instructed to carry-
out the arrangement for a memorial service, [viz : That a memorial ser-
vice for the dead be held each General Assembly under the direction of
the chairman of the Committee on Narrative and State of Reli^^ion T-
Vol. V, pp. 188, 242, 1880. ° -"''
[The first Friday evening after the meeting of each Assembly, was
set apart for the memorial services. Vol. V, p. 359, 1881. This ser-
vice has not been held uniformly at this time.]
9. A Record of the Ordination of Ministers.— i?eso/yerf, 8. That
the second clerk be directed to collect, in such way as he may judge-
best, statistics to show the date of ordination of each minister in the
church, and the name of the Presbytery in which he was ordained, and
report the same to the next Assembly. Vol. Ill, p. 137, 1870.
[This record was prepared and published with the Alphabetical List
of Ministers in the Minutes of the General Assembly.]
Resolved, That the second clerk be instructed to publish the record
of ordinations once in each volume of the Minutes. Vol. IV, n 584
1878. ^ '
LXXII. MINISTRY, WITHDRAWAL FROM THE.
[The Presbytery of Butler submitted to the Assembly the following
question : " A gospel minister in good standing feels that it is the Mas-
ter's will that he should withdraw from the active ministry and engage
in some secular occupation. What steps should Presbytery take in-
order to enable him to do so and remove his name from the roll?"
212 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
The memorial was referred to the Committee on Judiciary, which
submitted a report, Vol. Ill, p. 233, 1889. After partial action the
memorial was referred to a committee, to report to the next Assembly.
This committee reported. Vol. VII, p. 500, 1890. After discussion,
the paper was referred to a special committee, p. 405, 1890. The report
presented by this special committee, p. 435, 1890, was referred to the
next Assembly. When this report was taken up by the following As-
sembly, a substitute was entertained and adopted. It is as follows:]
On the subject of the Demission of the Ministry, which was brought
before the Assembly of 1889, by the Presbytery ©f Butler, the follow-
ing is the judgment of the Assembly:
I. Every one, who rightfully occupies the ministerial office, has been
called to that position by the voice of Christ, the King and Head of the
Church, Rom. x. 15, and Heb. v. 4. Ordination by a Presbytery is an
official act, done in the name of Christ, setting a man apart to the office
to which, it is judged, the Lord has called him.
The evidences on which a Presbytery bases its judgment as to a man's
call to the ministry are mainly the possession of natural, acquired, and
gracious endowments fitting him for the office; leadings of Providence
guiding him in that direction, and a persuasion apparently wrought in
the man's soul by the Spirit of the Lord that he is called of God to this
office. It is quite possible that an applicant for ordination should be
mistaken in his conviction concerning the call of the Lord, and a Pres-
bytery may also be mistaken in its judgment of the matter, so that a
man may come into the ministery by the mistakes of men and not by
the will of God. When experience has made such a niistake apparent,
it is plainly the duty of Presbytery to undo it by annulling the act of
ordination and releasing the man from his office.
II. There may be cases where a man has been called by the Lord
into the ministry for a time, but has been laid aside by some providence
intervening, which unfits him entirely and permanently for the duties
of his office, but leaves him with ability to serve the Lord in other ways.
It would appear to be clearly the will of the Master, in such cases, that
the man should be released from his office that he may be free to serve
the Lord in those duties for which he is capable. In such cases the
minister should himself ask to be released, but it is competent to the
Presbytery to take the initiative if he does not. In this latter case the
Presbytery should not take final action in releasing the minister without
first obtaining his consent. These cases, however, are to be carefully
distinguished from those where old age or other infirmities have parti-
ally or entirely rendered a minister unable for the duties of his office.
It is evidently the will of the Lord that such servants of his should re-
tain their office to the end of life, although unable to discharge the act-
ive duties of it.
III. There are, no doubt, instances where a man has been called and
set apart to the ministry by the will of God, but who, through neglect
to cultivate his talents, or by yielding to the allurements of the world,
has grown weary of his sacred office and desires to be released from his
ordination vows. If a Presbytery should grant him such a release with-
out censure, it would be to become partaker of his sin. It is the duty of
Presbytery in such cases to endeavor to reclaim the man to the path of
MIXUTES OF THK GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 213
dutv, or, if failing in that, to inflict u\)Ou him the censures of the churcli.
Vol. YII, p. G30; 1891.
Lxxiii. minutp:8 of the general assembly.
1. Compensation for Superintending the Publication of the
Minutes. — One hundred dollars were appropriated to the committee to
superintend the printing and publication of the ^Minutes. Vol. II, p.
321, 18GG.
Resolved, That the clerks of the General Assembly be authorized to
expend a sum, not exceeding S50, for the revision of the Minutes of the
General Assembly. Vol. Ill, p. 535, 1873. \j^'2ij additional was
granted to the Clerks for preparing the Minutes. Vol. VI, p. 238,
1885.]
2. The Minutes to be Published by the Board of Publication.
[The Minutes of the General Assembly had been published in connec-
tion with the Evangelical Repository. ~\
Resolved, 1. That hereafter the publication of the Minutes be com-
mitted to the Board of Publication, and that, under the superintendence
of the clerks of the Assembly, they be issued in the name of the Board,
in the same way as are other publications. Vol. Ill, p. 33, 1869.
Resolved, 3. That the publication of the Minutes of the General As-
sembly be committed to the Board of Publication, the size of the edition
to be issued, and the price per copy to be left to the discretion of the
Board. Vol. Ill, p. 281, 1871.
3. An Index of the Minutes to be Prepared by the Clerks. —
Resolved, 2. That, hereafter, a full index of each number of the Min-
utes be prepai-ed on the same plan, by the clerks of the Assembly, and
appended, and a general index at the close of each volume. Vol. II, p.
511, 1868.
4. The Minutes Not to be Transcribed. — [Resolutions with
reference to transcribing the IMinutes wert^ presented to the Assembly
of 1871, Vol. Ill, p. 285. They were referred to the clerks of the
Assembly, with instruction to take legal advice thereto and report to
the next Assembly. This legal advice was reported to the Assembly,
Vol. Ill, pp. 379, 380, 1872, when the following action was taken:]
Resolved, 1. That the princijjal clerk be not required, after the
present meeting, to transcribe the Minutes into a book prepared for that
purpose.
2. That, instead thereof, he be directed to certify, over his own sig-
nature, to the correctness of at least ten copies of the printed Minutes;
one to be preserved among the archives of the Assembly as the official
copy, and one to be deposited in the library of each of our theological
seminaries. Vol. Ill, p. 380, 1872.
5. Expense of Binding the Minutes. — Resolved, 3. That the ex-
pen se of binding the official minutes for preservation be defrayed out ot
the Assembly's fund. Vol. V, p. 3.S, 1879.
6. Gratuitous Copies of the Minutes. — [By order of the General
Assembly, copies of tlie jNIinutes of the General Assemljly are furnished
by the Board of Publication gratuitously to the Corresponding Secre-
taries of the several Boards, to the Library of each Theological Semin-
.214 DIGEST or THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
ary, to each foreign missionary, to the clerks of Synods and Presby-
teries, to Financial Agents and Superintendents of Missions, and to the
delegates from corresponding Churches, the expenses to be paid out of
the funds appropriated to the Board of Publication.] Vol. Ill, p.
-33. 1869, Tol. IV, p. 33, 1874.
LXXIV. MISSIONARY PRESBYTERIES.
1. The Relation of Missionary Presbyteries to the Assembly.
"Whereas, The subordination and supervision of Churcii courts con-
stitute a fundamental principle of Presbyterianism ; and,
"Whereas, Our foreign missionary Presbyteries, and the Presby-
teries of Oregon and San Francisco, are not related to any Synod, and
are not subject to have their proceedings reviewed by such a court-;
therefore,
Resolved, That our foreign missionary Presbyteries and the Presby-
tfciies of Oregon and San Francisco stand in the same relation to the
-General Assembly as that in which any Presbytery at home stands to its
Synod, and that these Presbyteries henceforth be required to send up
ctrtified copies of their minutes annually to the General Assembly for
revision ; but it is understood that in cases of disciphne, appeals cannot
be entertained. Vol. IV, p. 189, 187.5. [This paper was laid on the
table.]
[See also Oregon. Presbytery of.]
[The question of tlie relation of the foreign mission Presbyteries to
the General Assembly was referred to the Committee on Judiciary, and
-the following action was taken :]
AVhereas, It is a fundamental principle in our Presbyterian polity
that every subordinate court shall be under the control and subject to
.the revision of the superior courts; and.
Whereas, The Presbyteries of Egypt and Sialkot are isolated and
without Synodical connection and control, and therefore their proceed-
ings have not been subject to revision of a superior court; and.
Whereas, These Presbyteries, from the very necessity of the case,
have practically Synodical powers; therefore,
Resolved, That the Presbyteries of Egypt and Sialkot be directed to
submit to each General Assembly a certified copy of their records for
revision. Vol. V, p. "29, 1879.
■2. Minutes of Foreign Missionary Presbyteries.— ^eso/ve^/,
'That the Presbyteries of Egypt and Sialkot be directed to submit to
• each Assembly a certified copy of their records for revision. Vol. V,
p. '29, 1879.
1. That Presbyteries in foreign lands be directed to forward their
minutes annually, in Englisii translations. Vol. V, p. 200, 1880.
[The Missionary Association of Egypt asked that the Presbytery of
"Egyjit be exempted from sending a copy of its minutes for revision.
On this the action was :]
Resolved, That the Presbytery of Egypt, in view of the labor in-
volved in a translation of the entire proceedings of its meetings, be
■excused, as requested, and be directed instead to forward a full abstract
of the proceedings in Englisii. Vol. VII, p. 41G, 1890.
MISSIONS, SPECIAL FUND FOR. 215
3. Preservation of the Records of Foreign Presbyteries.—
Resolved, That in view of tlie danger to which tliese Presbyteries are
exposed, of the loss or destruction of their papers, these copies of their
minutes be placed in the charge of the United Presbyterian Historical
Society, to be deposited with other valuable historical documents.
Vol. Y, p. 200, 1880.
LXXV. MISSIONARY WORK AMONG FOREIGNERS.
1. Missionary Work Among- the Germans.— Whereas, There
are tliousands of German people within the bounds of our congregations
in whose spiritual condition great civil and moral, as well as religious,
interests are involved ;
Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to consider the
best means of reaching these people, especially in the way of giving
more attention to the German language in our educational institutions,
and providing a Psalter and other United Presbyterian literature in the
German language, said committee to report to next Assembly. Vol.
Y, J). 743, 1883.
[This committee reported, Vol. VI, p. 9o, 1884. The Assembly
adopted the following :]
Resolved, 5. Inasmuch as there are metrical versions of the Psalms
in the German language, it is unnecessary to undertake the work of
providing any additional version at the present time. Vol. VI, p. 30,
1884.
2. Missionary Work Among Our Foreign Population.— [A
memorial was presented from the Fourth Church, Allegheny, in regard
to missionary work among the rapidly increasing foreign element in
our country. The Assembly adopted the following:]
Resolved, 8. That the Board of Home Missions be instructed to in-
augurate work among our foreign population, if a way to do so be found
practicable. Vol. VII, p. G3o, 1891.
LXXVI. MISSIONS, SPECIAL FUND FOR.
[A memorial from the Mission Boards set forth tliat an individual
had ))roposed to give fifty thousand dollars towards a special fund of five
hundred thousand dollars for missioiis. The memorial was referred to
a committee, to report to the next Assembly. Vol. VII, p. 36, 1888.
This committee reported, and the Assembly accordingly postponed ac-
tion, and appointed a committee to present to the next Assembly a defi-
nite plan for raising this or a similar fund. Vol. VII, pp. 231, 294,
1889. This committee reported, p. 498, 1890, and the Assembly
adopted the following:]
Resolved, 5. After considering carefully the report of the Committee
on a Special Fund for Missions, we deem it advisable to recommend the
continuance of this committee another year, allowing them to act as their
discretion may direct. We would also commend to the Assembly a re-
commendation of this committee, viz.: "That a more vigorous effort be
made to augment the contributions of our churches for mission work
through the ordinary channels, and that Presbyteries be instructed to
have all the congregations under their care visited by energetic men, to
bring this burning subject before the people." Vol. VII, p. 429, 1890,
216 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
[The committee renewed its former report that the time did not seem
opportune for the movement, adding : If this Assembly, composed of
different commissioners from the former Assemblies that have acted on
this matter, and with a fuller knowledge than we possess of the ability
and willingness of those they represent to contribute of their substance
to this fund, should decide to raise this money, we would recommend the
appointment of a committee to vigorously prosecute the work. If, how-
ever, the prospects are not flattering, we recommend the discharge of
your committee. Vol. VII, 729, 1891. The report was referred to the
Committee on Appro[)riations, p. 623, but no action was taken.]
LXXVII. NATIONAL REFORM.
1. Religious Amendment to the Constitution of the United
States. — Resolved, That we lament that there is not a more distinct
and full recognition of the existence of God, and the supremacy of his
law, as revealed in the Scriptures, in our national constitution than it
contains ; that an amendment introducing a becoming recognition of
God into it, at least the preamble or adopting act of the constitution, is
much to be desired; and that we instruct our people that it is their
duty, as Christian citizens, to favor and co-operate with every legitimate
effort that may be made for this end. Vol. I, p. 498, 1863.
Resolved, 1. That, in the judgment of this Assembly, it is desirable,
and a duty, that the constitution of the United States be ?o amended as
to recognize the supremacy of God and his law, and of his Son, our
Lord Jesus Christ, in his character as the Governor of the nations.
2. That it be recommended by this Assembly to the ministers and
other members of the United Presbyterian Churcii to co-operate in all
proper measures with their fellow citizens for amending the constitution
of the United States, so as to secure the accomplishment of this import-
ant end. Vol. II, p. 28, 1864.
Resolved, 1. That we cordially sympathize with that movement which
has for its object such an amendment of our national constitution, that
it shall contain a distinct recognition of the true God ; an acknowledg-
ment of Jesus Christ as the Ruler of the nations ; and the supreme au-
thority of the sacred Scri[)tures.
2. That we recommend to all tlie members of the United Presbyte-
rian Church to co-operate in all proper efforts to secure the accomplish-
ment of this desirable object. Vol. II, [). 493, 1868. "
Whereas, God is the su})reme source of civil authority, and his law
as revealed, not only by the light of nature in reason and conscience,
but also as more clearly revealed in the Scriptures, is the fundamental
rule by which nations are to be guided in the conduct of their civil
affairs ; and, whereas, it pleased God in his eternal purpose to choose
and ordain the Lord Jesus, his only begotten Son, to be the heir of all
things, and Judge of the world, by virtue of which appointment he ex-
ercises a dominion over all created persons and things, which dominion
all intelligent beings, to whom he has been revealed, are bound to ac-
knowledge in their respective stations and relations ; and, whereas, the
constitution of the United States contains no explicit recognition of
God, or of the supremacy of his law, or of subjection of the nation to
the Lord Jesus Christ ; therefore.
ORDINATION OF MINISTERS. 217
Resolved, 1. That this omission, whether due to oversight or inten-
tion, is a serious defect in that otherwise excellent instrument, and one
which should, by legal and constitutional means, be removed.
2. That the removal of this defect from our fundamental law is nec-
essary to harmonize it with the Christian laws and usages of our people.
3. That the want of harmony between the principles on which our
State constitutions and laws are founded, and those which underlie the
constitution of the United States, cannot continue. The result will be,
and in the nature of things must be, that our laws will be brought down
to the level of the constitution, or the constitution will be elevated to
the plane of our Christian legislation. Vol. V, p. 201, 1880.
Resolved, 2. That we commend the work of the National Reform As-
sociation to the sympathy and support of the members of our Church.
Vol. V, p. 714, 1883.
Resolved, 1. That the various utterances of former Assemblies, relat-
ing to National Reform, be reaffirmed. Vol. VI, p. 432, 1886.
Resolved, 2. That pastors be recommended to keep this reform before
our people, and to afford opportunities for the presentation of this cause
by the district secretaries, and to ask for it the liberal contributions of
their congregations. Vol. VI, p. 675, 1887.
Resolved, 1. That we endorse and commend the National Reform
movement, the aim of which is to secure a national acknowledgment of
Almighty God as the source of all authority in civil government, of the
Lord Jesus Christ as the Ruler of nations, and of his revealed will as
the supreme standard by which to decide all moral issues in national
life, and to place all the Christian laws, institutions and usages of the
government upon an undeniably legal basis in the fundamental law of
the land. Vol. VII, j). 422, 1890.
On a petition from the Secretary of the National Reform Association
in behalf of the recognition of Christ and the Bible by political parties,
etc :
Resolved, That the petition be granted, and that it be signed by the
Moderator and Clerk and returned to the petitioner. Vol. VII, p. 631,
1891.
LXXVIII. ORDINATION OF MINISTERS.
La3ring on of Hands by Ruling Elders.— [The Presbytery of
Steubenville asked a deliverence on tlie following question : " Is the
imposition of hands by ruling elders, in the ordination of ministers,
required or permitted in our Book of Government?" The General
Assembly adopted the following:]
In our judgment, ordination is valid in the case of ministers only as
authorized by Presbytery in constituted capacity.
When so authorized, its administration by the imposition of hands is
technically the act of Presbytery, if performed only by the presiding
officer in the name and as the exponent of Presbytery.
This appears involved in a strict construction of Book of Govern-
ment, Part II, Chap. 6, Art. 2, Sec. 7, which also expressly points to
a minister as the officer to preside on the occasion ; as though in
recognition of Part I, Chap. 4, Art. 2, which directly imputes to
"teaching elders " the power of ordination, and specifies for them a
duty to "ordain successors."
218 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Moreover, our Book, Part I, Chap. O, Art. 2, Sec. 5, indicates a
Presbytery to be duly constituted if composed only of three ministers,
and hence competent, without a ruling elder, to authorize and to ad-
minister ordination.
It is therefore respectfully submitted, that the imposition of hands on
the part of elders not teaching is not required for the ordination of
ministers, and as it is not required, and especially in view of the
omission from the Book of any indication of such prerogative as per-
taining to elders of the second rank, it is technically to be regarded as
not permitted. Vol. Y, p. 17, 1879.
LXXIX. OREGON, PPvESBYTERY OF.
The Presbytery of Oregon Recognized as a Part of the
United Presbyterian Church. — The Presbytery of Oregon signify
their cordial reception of the Testimony and other doctrinal standards
of the United Presbyterian Church ; but, owing to their remote position,
they reserve the right of final jurisdiction over all matters, except such
•as may be appealed directly to the General Assembly; and, moreover,
reserve the right of sending delegates to the General Assembly, as they
may deem expedient.
Hesolved, That the General Assembly cordially acquiesce in the
proposal of the Presbytery of Oregon, and regard it as one of the Pres-
byteries under its care. Vol. I, p. 107, 18G0.
LXXX. OVERTURES.
1. A Two-thirds Vote Necessary in Order to an Overture.
— Resolved, 2. That in order to prevent and remedy this evil, [viz., the
bringing before the Assembly subjects likely to require overture, or
produce unnecessary or injurious agitation,] the Assembly do adopt it
as a rule of procedure for the future : That no subject shall be handed
down in overture to the Presbyteries, except on a vote of two-thirds of
the members of the Assembly present. Vol. Ill, p, 150, 1870.
"Whereas, The Assembly of 1870 adopted it as a standing rule of
f)rocedure, that no subject shall be handed down in overture to the
Presbyteries, except by a vote of two-thirds of the members of the As-
sembly present; therefore,
Resolved, That any further action on the transmission of overtures
is unnecessary, Vol. V, p. 16, 1879.
2. Definition of "a Clear Majority." — [The Assembly was
asked to give a definition of tlie expression " a clear majority of the
votes of the whole Church," in Part I, Chap. A', Art. IV, Sec. 5, of the
Book of Government. The following was adopted :]
A vote is something difterent from not voting. One more than half
the votes cast is evidently " a clear majority." The majority voting
settles the matter, without reference to those not voting. They are then
reckoned with the majority, according to Rule of Order, No. 65. Vol.
V, p. 367. 1881.
3. Overture on Amendment to the Law of Overtures. —
[The General Assembly appointed a commitlee of five persons to con-
sider the propriety of overturing an amendment to the law of overtures,
OVERTURES. 219
and report to the next Assembly. Vol. V, p. 740, 1883. The com-
mittee reported, and tlie General Assembly submitted to the Presby-
teries the following overtures:]
Shall Section 5, Article IV, Chapter V, Part I, of the Book of Gov-
ernment be amended so as to read as follows :
No regulation affecting the doctrine, worship or government of the
Church shall be adopted, until, by a two-thirds vote of the General As-
sembly, it shall have been transmitted in overture to the Presbyteries.
A vote thereon shall be taken in each Presbytery, and carefully re-
corded, and, together with the number of members present when the
vote was taken, shall be duly certified to the General Assembly. When
an overture is approved by a majority of the members thus present, the
General Assembly shall enact such regulation, unless peculiar circum-
stances, in view of two-thirds of the enrolled members, render it inex-
dient.
The General Assembly shall have power to make such regulations as
may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. Vol. A^I,
p. ie, 1884.
[The vote on this overture was : Ayes, 113; nays, 791. Twenty-
one Presbyteries were reported as not voting. Whereupon the Assem-
bly declared the overture not adopted.] Vol. VI, p. 224, 1885.
[Several Presbyteries asked that an overture be sent down to the
Presbyteries on the law of overtures, specially with reference to changes
in the mode of submitting an overture, and concerning who shall vote,
and the manner of summing up the vote. The General Assembly,
"while conceding the necessity for further legislation on this subject,"
•was "of the opinion that the time had not yet yet arrived" for any ac-
tion, and declined to grant the prayer of the memorialists. Vol. VI,
p. 224, 1885.]
4. The Moral Right to Change the Standards by Overture.
— The memorialists represent themselves as loyal members of the church,
asking for protection in the rights which they claim were guaranteed to
them as members of the church. They say, "In accepting our profes-
sion of agreement with these standards, the church guaranteed to us the
right to all the privileges and immunities of membership, and came
under solemn obligation to protect us in these privileges and immunities
•while we continue to adhere to this profession. But in permitting a
different mode of worship to be introduced from that which the church
required us to profess and maintain as the only mode agreeable to the
word of God, that protection has been withdrawn from us." They also
say, "While the church has a legal right under her law of overture to
repeal the rule in her standards, excluding the use of instruments from
•worship, we believe she had no moral right to do so."
In answer to these claims, the Assembly asserts that the protection
and privileges of the church are guaranteed only to those who accept of
her profession, and this profession plainly and distinctly involves the
law of overture by which the rule upon this question has been changed,
as these memorialists themselves admit, when they concede the church
the legal right to make the change. And the Assembly further declares
that, as the legal right to make the change involves the moral right,
when the church in the exercise of the right repeals any of her laws she
220 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
is under no obligation to protect those who are in opposition to the
change thus made, excepting that of the law of forbearance in love.
Vol. VII, p. 29, 1888.
LXXXI. PASTORAL CHARGE.
1. Definition of "a Pastoral Charge." — [The Presbytery of
Westmoreland asked the General Assembly to define what constitutes a
" pastoral charge," as the term is used in the Form of Government,
Chap. V, Art. II, Sec. 1. The report of the Committee on the Judi-
ciary was adopted as follows :]
Your Committee are ol the opinion that the phrase is here used in its
common and ordinary sense. What this is, may be clearly ascertained
from the uniform practice of the Church, and from its use in the con-
stitution of the Board of Home Missions, which reads as follows ;
" Whenever practicable, mission stations and congregations shall be
grouped together in convenient pastoral charges, and no station shall be
recommended for aid which can be conveniently united with a neigh-
boring station or congregation in one charge, for which no help would
be necessary."
This language evidently teaches that a pastoral charge may consist of
a number of congregations grouped by a Presbytery, and comprising
one pastoral settlement, or so grouped by the Presbytery as to form a
suitable charge for one pastor, and so grouped, also, on the ground that
they are able and willing to support a pastor.
We therefore submit, for the adoption of the Assembly, the follow—
Resolved, That in the judgment of this Assembly, a pastoral charge
is a regularly organized congregation under a pastor, or a group of reg-
ularly organized congregations recognized by the Presbytery as under
the charge of one pastor ; or it is such a congregation, or sucii a group
of congregations, as is able and willing, with or without aid, to support
a pastor, and which, in the judgment of the Presbytery, would be suit-
able to form one pastoral settlement. And only such congregation, or
group of congregations, according to our Book of Discipline, can be
represented in a Presbytery by one ruling elder. Vol. V, p. 512,
1882.
2. Proposed Change of "Pastoral Charge " to Session." — See
Presbytery, Constitution of.
LXXXII. PASTORS.
1. How a Pastor may be Called and Installed in an Iso-
lated Congregation. — The Session of the congregation of San Fran-
cisco ask to be advised in the steps they shall take in making out a call
as they wish Mr. Gibson, your missionary, to become their permanent
pastor. Owing to the facts that this congregation is not under the care
of any Presbytery; that the person of their choice is laboring in their
midst ; and that he is the only ordained minister you have within hun-
dreds of miles of them; your committee are of opinion that a somewhat
unusual course sliould be taken in the case.
Your committee think that upon placing this congregation under tlie
PRAYER, A DAY OF SPECIAL. 221
Presbytery of most convenient access, that Presbytery might either ap-
point Mr. Gibson himself to moderate in the call, or authorize some one
of the ruling elders of tliat congregation to do so, and that, upon receiv-
ing and sustaining that call, and receiving by letter Mr. Gibson's
acceptance of the call, the Presbytery might declare him the settled
pastor of said congregation. We therefore recommend the adoption of
the following resolutions :
Resolved, 1. That the congregation of San Francisco be placed under
the care of the United Presbyterian Presbytery of Oregon.
2. That this Presbytery be directed to take measures, as soon as
practicable, to consummate the wishes of the congregation, Vol. II, p.
397,1867.
2. Presbyterial Oversight of the Payment of the Salaries
of Pastors. — Resolved, That the Presbyteries be directed to use dili-
gent means and measures to secure the full payment of the salaries of
the pastors within their respective bounds. Vol. V, p. 720, 1883.
LXXXIII. PATTERSON'S APPEAL.
[Mrs. Mary A. Patterson appealed to the General Assembly from a
decision of the Synod of Illinois. The Judiciary Committee reported
an agreement of compromise entered into by the representatives of the
parties. This was approved by the General Assembly and the case dis-
missed. Vol. VII, p. 418, 1890.]
LXXXIV. PEACE.
International Arbitration. — Resolved, That it is the duty of the
church, and especially of the ministers of the gospel, to labor in every
proper way for the advancement of the cause of peace, and that we hail
with heartfelt gratitude the effort now being put forth both in this
country and in Europe, by eminent Christian statesmen and philanthro-
pists, to provide a system of international arbitration for the settlement of
difficulties that may arise between nations, and that we hereby pledge
to our own government our hearty sympathy and co-operation in all
proper efforts for securing this glorious result. Vol. IV, p. 319, 1876.
[A memorial was presented to the Assembly from a committee of the
General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States,
asking the appointment of a delegate to a joint committee of Churches
to petition the governments of the world in favor of peace. The As-
sembly adopted the following :]
Resolved, 1. That the petition be granted.
2. That be appointed a delegate, who shall meet the delegates
from other bodies addressed. Vol. VII, p. 631, 1891.
LXXXV. PRAYER, A DAY OF SPECIAL.
[A memorial from a convention held at Xenia, 0., was presented,
asking the appointment of a day of prayer, and the following action
was taken :]
Resolved, 1. That this Assembly, taking into consideration the great
work which the Lord is giving us as a Church to do, together with the
222 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
responsibilities wliich it involves, and overwhelmed with the sense of
our obligations to him for his unmerited favor in blessing the work of
our hand in all the various fields of labor in which he has given to us
to be co-workers with him, and at the same time deeply conscious and
ashamed of our own ingratitude and our vast shortcoming in this work^
and of our unmeetness for the great responsibilities that are upon us for
the future, by reason of the weakness of our faith and the power of un-
belief in us, the want of whole-hearted devotion to the person and cause of
our glorious Lord and Captain of our salvation, and our worldliness, and
most earnestly desiring to embrace and improve the opportunities which
he is offering to us in his providence, hereby calls the whole church to
xtnite in the observance of a day of special prayer, in which we will
agree together in fervent supplication with thanksgiving and confession
of sins to the Lord our God, beseeching him to ''be merciful to us and
shine on us with his face," that in the way of enabling us to take hold
of his covenant of grace and renewing our engagements to him and to
each other, we may receive a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit, for the
removal of hindrances and difficulties, the restoration of mutual confi-
dence and the revival of all grace in us, " that so his way may be known
in the earth and his saving liealth among all nations."
2. That the first Wednesday of September, 1885, be designated for
this purpose. Vol. V, p. 238, 1885.
LXXXYI. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES.
1. Union of Presbyterian Churches. — [On the memorial of the
Reformed Presbyterian Synod, delegates were appointed to a conven-
tion for prayer and conference on the subject of union among the vari-
ous branches of the Presbyterian family. Vol. II, p. 404, 1867- The
proceedings of this convention were laid before the Assembly, when
five delegates were appointed to meet with a like number appointed by
the other churches, with instructions to endeavor to obtain such terms
of union as would not involve any relinquishment of the principles of
our profession. Vol. II, p. 493, 1868. The joint committee, com-
posed of delegates from the United Presbyterian Church, the Presby-
terian Church, N, S., and the Presbyterian Church, O. S., adopted the
following basis, which was submitted to the Assemblies:]
1. The Old and New Testament Scriptures are acknowledged to
be the inspired word of God and the only infallible rule of faith and
practice.
2. The Westminster Confession of Faith, as the same has been mod-
ified by the churches here represented, in its doctrines concerning the
powers of the civil magistrate, together with the Larger and Sliorter
Catechisms, shall be received and adopted as containing the system of
doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures.
3. The United Church shall receive and adopt the Presbyterian form
of church government.
4. Firsts It is the will of God that the Book of Psalms should be
used by the church in his worship to the end of the world. And the
united body shall, at the earliest practicable day, prepare as faithful
and acceptable a version of those Psalms as may be, for use in the
churches.
rUKSBYTEUIAN CHUKCHES. 223
Secondli/, Any of the chiirclies desiringto use the Psalms exclusivelv
in the service of song shall always have the right, unchalleno-ed, to do
so. Vol. Ill, p. 29, 1869.
[The following action was taken by the Assembly:] ^Vhereas, in
tlie negotiations between the United and the Old and "New School Pres-
byterian Churches, a Christian spirit has been manifested, and also an
evidently increasing regard for the distinctive principles of the United
Presbyterian Church ; and.
Whereas, This General Assembly is not prepared to adopt the
basis of union presented by the joint committee, yet in the confidence
that a mutual interchange of views in a truly Christian spirit would be
productive of mucli good; therefore,
ResoIvecL Tiiat, witiiout expressing approval of all the results, and
while regarding as seriously defective at least one of the conclusions,
namely, that pertaining to Psalmody, reached by the joint committee,
a report of whose proceedings has been submitted to us, this Assembly
agree to continue their committee to confer, according to instructions
given by tlie last Assembly, witli similar committees which may be
appointed by other branches of the Presbyterian family. Vol. Ill, n
29, 1869. ^
[The joint committee failed to meet.] On the fourth of August, the
time appointed by the preceding convention, a meeting was'^held in
Pittsburgh. On this occasion a majority of the committee of the United
Presbyterian Church were present, but only one member of the Old
School, and not one of the New School Presbyterian Church, were in
attendance. In consequence of the failure of our brethren to attend at
the time appointed nothing, could be done. Tiie convention conse-
quently adjourned sine die. Vol. Ill, p. 132, 1870.
[Another committee was appointed. Vol. Ill, p. 145, 1870, who re-
ported as follows:] The joint committee met in Pittsburgh, March 7th,
1871, and continued its session until the ninth. A most delightful spirit
pervaded the devotional exercises of the committee, and the very full
and free discussions had with reference to the points of difference be--
tween the two bodies were characterized by the utmost friendliness and
cordiality.
In one of the early conferences the United Presbyterian branch of the
committee submitted the following as a basis of union :
The Westminster standards as the general basis, with these additional
propositions:
1. The Psalms of the Bible, in the best possible version, are to be
the authorized Psalmody of the church.
2. In all ordinary cases the sacraments are to be restricted in their
administration to those over whom the church has autliority.
3. All associations, whether formed for political or benevolent pur-
poses, which impose upon their members an oath of secrecy, or an ob-
ligation to obey a code of unknown laws, are inconsistent with the spirit
and genius of Christianity, and church members ought not to have fel-
lowship with such associations.
After some consideration given to the subject matter of this basis, it
was referred to the Presbyterian brancli of the committee, who subse-
quently reported, recommending the following as general terms of union :
224 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
The Westminster standards as the general basis, with these additional
propositions :
1. That we regard the "Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Songs" of
the Bible as peculiarly entitled to our consideration and use in public
and private worship, because of their divine inspiration, and we re-affirm
our testimony in their favor as authorized by the word of God.
2. That in all ordinary cases the sacraments are to be restricted in
their administration to those over whom the church has authority.
3. That the genius and spirit of Christianity furnish the best incen-
tive, the highest motive, and the truest basis for all work of benevolence
and reform, and that the church, in her organized capacity, is the most
efficient agent for the prosecution of this work, and should be preferred
by all who love our Lord Jesus Christ.
It was finally and unanimously decided in joint committee, in view of
the impossibility of fully reconciling divergent views, that the two bases
be submitted to the respective Assemblies.
In thus submitting our report, your committee would say, that while
unable to come to a perfect agreement on the propositions before us, we
were greatly gratified and encouraged by the nearness to an agreement
at which we arrived, and we do most earnestly commend the union of
our churches to the continued consideration of our Assemblies. With this
view, we recommend the appointment of committees for further confer-
ence and negotiations on the subject, with such instructions accompany-
ing the appointment as by the Assemblies may be deemed desirable.
Vol. Ill, p. 313, 1871.
[No action was taken by the Assembly, except to appoint a commit-
tee to continue negotiations. Vol. Ill,, p. 284, 1871. This committee
reported to the next Assembly, Vol. Ill, p. 380, 1872, when the follow-
ing action was taken :]
Resolved, 1. That in the judgment of this General Assembly there do
not appear to be encouraging grounds for a further prosecution of this
work at present.
2. That this General Assembly hereby declares again its desire for
union with sister churches on any proper grounds that will be mutually
satisfactory, and is ready to co-operate, especially with the Presbyterian
Church, in any proper effiort to secure such a union, to the glory of our
common Saviour, and the greater prosperity and good of his cause in
the world.
3. That with this expression on the general subject of union, and of
the facts in the case as they are understood by this Assembly, the com-
mittee on union shall be continued, to meet with any similar committee
that may be appointed by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian
Church to engage in any further conferences that may be called for on
this subject. Vol. Ill, p. 394, 1872.
2. A Conference of Presbyterian Churches. — [A minute of the
General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of
America on tlie subject of a conference with other Presbyterian Churches
was presented to tlie Assembly. Tlie following was adopted in refer-
ence to it :]
We reciprocate the desire expressed for the advancement of the king-
dom of Jesus Christ in the world, and of the faith and order held in
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES IN INDIA. 225
common by Presbyterians in this land, arid are willing and ready to co-
operate with our brethren in any proper way that will promote purity
in worship and an earnest zeal for the word of God as the rule of faith
and practice in building and extending the kingdom of Jesus Christ in
this and every land.
But as the action of that General Assembly is more expressly ad-
dressed to those "united in the Alliance of the Refomed Churches hold-
ing the Presbyterian System," and as our church has, for reasons ex
pressly stated, withdrawn from that Alliance ; therefore.
Resolved, 1. That we are not now j^repared to propose any plan of co-
operation for the purpose suggested by our brethren.
2. That we are ready now, as we have always declared ourselves to
be, to co-operate with our brethren of other Presbyterian denominations
in promoting unity of faith and practice in any way consistent with what
we believe to be the law of Christ's house and will of our Divine Mas-
ter. Vol. VI, p. 683, 1887.
[The General Assembly appointed a committee of three to represent
the Assembly in the Centenary of the General Assembly of the Presby-
terian Church in the United States of America. The committee re-
ported that marked Christian courtesy had been shown in the case.
Vol. VI, p. 684, 1887 ; Vol. VII, p. 31, 1888.]
3. A Consensus Creed for AU Presbyterian Churches. A
paper was presented from a committee of the General Assembly of the
Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, asking the ap-
pointment of members of a joint committee to prepare a short consensus
creed for the use of all the Presbyterian Churches, to be used as the
common creed of these Churches ; not as a substitute for the creed of
any particular denomination, but to supplement it for the common work
of the Church. The Committee on Correspondence reported : " It is
the judgment of your committee that it would not be wise for this
Assembly to take any action which would seek to shorten the West-
minster Confession, or eliminate from it any of its articles, or which
might indicate that we are not fully satisfied with it." The Assembly,,
therefore, adopt the following :
Resolved, Tiiat this Assembly respectfully declines to enter upon the
work of preparing a consensus creed. Vol. VII, p. 647, 1891.
LXXXVII. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES IN INDIA.
1. An Alliance of Presbyterian Churches in India.— [As
early as January, 1871, a movement in favor of closer union among
Presbyterians in India was begun. A meeting of delegates was held in
November of the same year, to consider the advisability of forming a
Presbyterian Alliance. It was agreed that, from time to time, general
conventions of Presbyterian ministers and elders should be held for the
purpose of consultation and co-operation in all that pertains to the ex-
tension of Christ's kingdom in India. At a general convention held at
Allahabad in the next year, it was Resolved, That "without reference
to an organic union, as speedily as possible, the different Presbyterian
Churches in India should be consolidated together for consultation and
co-operation in furtherance of a common Evangelistic work, but in no
degree compromising the position which they occupy in connection
15
226 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
■with their respective Churches at home." At subsequent meetings the
purpose was defined to be : 1. To promote mutual sympathy and the
sense of unity among Presbyterian Cliurches in India. 2. To arrange
for co-operation and mutual help. 3. To promote the stability and self-
support of the native Churches, and to encourage them in direct labor
for the Evangelization of India. 4. To prepare the way for an organic
union among the native Presbyterian Churches in India.
The First Council of tlie Alliance was held in December, 1877, the
second in 1880, the third in 1883, the fourth in 1886, and the fifth in
1889. See Vol. VII, p. 502, 1890.]
2. Appellate Power Refused to the Alliance.— [The Second
Council of the Presbyterian Alliance in India sent to all the supreme
judicatories represented in India, asking the recognition of the appellate
jurisdiction of the Alliance in certain cases in regard to native
Churches, office-bearers, and members. The General Assembly took
the following action :]
Resolved, 2. That it is the judgment of this Assembly, that it would
not be expedient for it to recognize the appellate jurisdiction of the Alli-
ance over any of its churches, office-bearers, or members ; and that it,
therefore, respectfully refuses the request of the Alliance, asking for
such jurisdiction. Vol. V, p. 354, 1881.
3. Union of the Presbyterian Churches in India Proposed.—
[In 1889, by circular letter sent out by the Lahore Presbytery, a Gen-
eral Committee was formed to consider " the difficulties in the way of
union, with the best method of overcoming them, and prepare a carefully
matured plan of union, to be submitted to tlie Presbyteries." This
General Committee, in which the majority of the Presbyterian bodies in
India were represented, prepared a basis of union, and submitted it to
the Presbyterian Alliance of India, by which it was approved and sent
to the Presbyteries, to be transmitted to the home Churches for final
consideration It was transmitted to the General Assembly by the
Presbytery of Sialkot with an adverse judgment. This basis provides
as to polity and worship:
1. That a constitution shall be drafted, based upon the constitutions of
the Presbyterian Churches in Europe and America.
2. That in all meetings of Church courts in which the United Pres-
byterian Church of North America is represented, psalms alone shall be
sung, out of respect to their opinion, and also because the psalms alone are
a sufficient medium by which to express divine praise.
3. Official members of these missions, refusing to sever their connec-
tion with the home courts, are to be only advisory members of the courts
in India, while those severing this connection and submitting to the
courts in India are to be full members. All shall be free to choose one
of these relations.
4. The Synod is to be the court of last resort, except that it shall
have power to refer cases to the General Assembly for advisement or
decision.
The doctrinal basis is to consist 1st, of the Apostles' Creed; 2d, the
Nicene Creed, 3d, a modern statement of doctrine, which is not yet pre-
pared. The Westminister Confession of Faith and Catechisms and the
Heidelberg Catechism are to be held in veneration, and as useful for
PRESBYTERIAN COUNCIL. 227
edification. There is to be a General Assembly with five subordinate
Synods, embracing all the Presbyterian Churches in India.
In the judgment of the Assembly this basis, if adopted, would be an
abandonment of the Standards of the Church for a creed not yet pre-
pared, would authorize in India a confession of faith not accepted at
home, and would sever the mission from the mother Church. It was
therefore :]
Resolved, That the Basis of Union of the Presbyterian Churches in
India, submitted to this Assembly by the Sialkot Presbytery, be not ap-
proved. Vol. VII, p. 426, 1890. [For the Basis in full, and the action
of the Sialkot Presbytery, see p. 502, 1890.]
LXXXVIII. PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Presb3rterian Historical Society. — Resolved, That the Assembly
cordially commends tlie society to the enlarged liberality of all our
churches and congregations. Vol. II, p. 12, 1864.
Resolved, That a copy of each of the publications of our Board of
Publication be presented to this society to be preserved in its collection.
Vol. Ill, p. 545, 1873.
Resolved, 2. That the records now on hand, and those which may be
hereafter procured, b'i placed in the fire proof building of the Presby-
terian Historical Society, when it shall be completed, for safe keeping,
and that a copy of all those which may be printed be placed in our own
publishing house.
3. That Presbyteries be requested to collect the histories of their
own congregations, and have them bound in one or more volumes, with
the history of tlie Presbytery, with a view of depositing them in the
fire proof building already mentioned. Vol. IV, p. 301, 1876.
Resolved, 2. That we earnestly recommend every congregation
which has not already contributed to its funds, to take up, on the first
Sabbath of November, 1877, or as soon after as possible, a liberal col-
lection to aid in securing for this society what it most needs; namely, a
place of safety for what it has so successfully gathered. Vol. IV, p.
446, 1877.
Resolved, 2. That it be commended still to our people for donations
to its collections, and for funds for its endowment. Vol. IV, p. 574,
1878.
Resolved, 1. That the Assembly hereby expresses its continued satis-
faction with this society in its efibrts to collect and place in secure
position material of so mucli interest to the friends of Presbyterianism.
2. That a committee be appointed to co-operate with tlie society in
its efibrts to procure such material, and that the Synods and Presby-
teries be recommended to continue their committees for this purpose,
and thus further the interests of this society for the benefit of the entire
Presbyterian family. Vol. V, p. 533, 1882.
LXXXIX. PRESBYTERIAN COUNCIL.
1. An Alliance of the Presbyterian Churches. — [The General
Assembly received a memorial from the General Assembly of the Pres-
byterian Church in the United States in America on the confederation
228 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
of all the Presbyterian Churches throughout the vvorlJ. The following
action was taken :]
Resolved, 1. That there be appointed a committee to confer with
the other committees which may be appointed by the Presbyterian
bodies, with a view to securing the objects proposed ; and,
2. That, while doing all they can to secure these objects, the com-
mittee be directed to do nothing to compromise the peculiar principles
and practices, for the maintainance of which the Assembly believes her-
self called upon, in providence and by the Head of the Church, to sus-
tain a separate ecclesiastical organization. Vol. IV, p. 37, 1874.
[This committee reported to the Assembly, when the following action
was taken :]
Resolved, 2. That the Assembly expresses its gratitude to the Saviour
for the harmony he has given to the deliberations of these committees,
and its conviction that this agreement in a statement of revealed truth
so full as that contained in the propositions adopted, is a precursor of a
closer union among the Churches holding the great doctrines of the
Bible. Vol. IV, p. 186, 1875. [For the propositions agreed upon and
the draft of constitution for an Alliance of the Reformed Churches
holding the Presbyterian System, prepared by the American delegates,
€ee VoL IV, pp. 223-225, 1875.]
[The Assembly also adopted the following :]
Whereas, Several churches adhering to Presbyterian polity and
Calvinistic doctrine are, on conscientious grounds, opposed to the use
of uninspired hymns in the worship of God ; and, whereas, the inspired
Book of Psalms has been acknowledged by every branch of the Church
of Christ, at least by every Presbyterian one, to contain matter suitable
for praise in the service of song ; and, whereas, the exclusive use of the
hymns embraced in this sacred collection by the proposed confederation
in its meetings would not only evince a generous regard for the cher-
ished convictions of many Presbyterians, but also, it is believed, tend to
prove and promote the unity of the Church of Christ; therefore,
Resolved, 1. That this Assembly respectfully, but earnestly, asks that
in the particular referred to, the " Consensus of the Reformed
Churches" be respected by the confederation in its devotional exercises,
and that a specific guarantee to this effect be incorporated in the con-
stitution which may be adopted.
2. Further, that our committee be directed to urge this matter by
letter, or otherwise, in the convention about to be held in London. Vol.
IV, p. 186, 1875.
[The delegates reported that they had forwarded the above action to
the Alliance, and submitted to the Assembly the correspondence had,
Vol. IV, p. 356, 1876, when their action was approved. Vol. IV, p.
318, 1876.]
[Delegates were appointed to the First General Presbyterian Coun-
cil, Vol. IV, p. 455, 1877, who reported to the Assembly, Vol. IV, p.
635, 1878, when the following action was taken :]
Resolved, 2. That while gratified to know that during the late meet-
ing the Council used in its exercise of praise only the Psalms of Scrip-
ture, the Assembly regrets that no constitutional provision has been
made for the continuance of this practice, and no definite pledge given
PRESBYTERIAN COUNCIL. 229
to that effect, and hereby instructs its delegates to the meeting of 1880
to use their influence to have this matter adjusted in accordance with
the action of the Assembly of 1875. Vol. IV, p. 576, 1878.
[Delegates were appointed to the General Presbyterian Council. Vol.
V, p. 42, 1879; p. 744, 1883. Power was given to the delegates
present at the Third Council to fill vacancies in the delegation. Vol.
VI, p. 41, 1884.]
2. Committee of Correspondence With the Alliance.— [At
the request of the Clerks of the Presbyterian Alliance, the General
Assembly appointed a standing committee of correspondence, consisting
of three persons. Vol. V, pp 337, 344, 1881.]
3. Expenses of the Alliance — [The Third Council requested
the Churches represented to bear the expenses of the Council in pro-
portion to their membership. These expenses heretofore had been met
by individual contributions. The Committee on Finance reported :]
For lack of sufficient information, and the Assembly having no " con-
tingent fund," your committee cannot recommend the appropriation of
any sum. Vol. VI, p. 237, 1885.
Resolved, 2. That the Principal Clerk of the Assembly be, and is
hereby, directed to issue an order on the Assembly's Treasurer for the
payment of $2G9.00, our proportion of the expenses already incurred bj
the Alliance. Vol. VI, p. 423, 1886.
4. Withdrawal of the General Assembly from the Alliance.
— [The delegates to the Third General Council reported their attend-
ance, and that another Council had been appointed.] "It is for the
Assembly to determine whether it will continue its connection with the
Alliance. . . . We suggest that this whole matter be referred to a
committee to report to the next General Assembly. Vol, VI, p. 298,
1885. [The committee was appointed and submitted a report, which
was amended and adopted :]
Whereas, The constitution of the Presbyterian Alliance provides
that there shall be no interference with the internal order or discipline
of any Church which has joined the confederation; and,
Whereas, In 1875, our General Assembly adopted a paper on this
subject, asking that in consideration of the fact that several of the
churches are, on conscientious grounds, opposed to the use of uninspired
hymns in the worship of God, and that every Presbyterian branch of
the Church of Christ has acknowledged that the inspired Book of
Psalms contains matter suitable to be employed in the praise service,
the consensus of the Reformed churches be respected by the Confedera-
tion in its devotional exercises, and that a specific guarantee to this
effect be incorporated in the constitution which may be adopted ; and
Whereas, The guarantee thus sought has not been given, while at the
last Council our position was even practically disregarded by the use,
to some extent, of uninspired compositions in the devotional exercises of
the meetings; and.
Whereas, In the reception of churches to its confederation, the Al-
liance has shown a disposition to interpret in a very lax and, in our
view, an improper manner the phrase, "the consensus of the Reformed
churches;" and.
Whereas, The good likely to be accomplished by the Alliance seems
230 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
hardly commensurate with the expenditure of time and money required;
therefore,
Resolved, 1. That this Assembly, representing "The United Presby-
terian Church of North America," hereby discontinues its connection
with the Presbyterian Alliance. Vol. VI, p. 423, 1886.
[A letter was received from the Secretary of the Alliance, expressing
regret at the action of the Assembly. The following was adopted:]
Whereas, No guarantee has been offered that the faith and practice
of our denomination, in the matter of Psalmody, will be respected in
the future; and,
Whereas, Definite action was taken by the Assembly last year in
withdrawing from that organization :
Resolved, That this Assembly take no further action in the case at
present. Vol. VI. p. 683, 1887".
5. Renewal of Relations to the Presbyterian Alliance.— [Rev.
T. W. Chambers, D. D., and Rev. George D. Matthews, D. D., Sec-
retary, addressed the General Assembly on behalf of the Alliance of
Presbyterian Churches. The matter of the relation of the General
Assembly to the Alliance was referred to a committee of five to report
to the next Assembly. Vol. VII, p. 421, 1890. This committee re-
ported according to appointment, and the report was amended and
adopted :]
... In the judgment of your committee, it would be well for the
General Assembly to appoint delesrates to the Council to meet in
Toronto, in 1892, and ask that the United Presbyterian Church be re-
ceived into the Alliance and her delegates admitted to seats in the
Council.
We believe that our connection with the Alliance may prove of great
value to us in preventing encroachments in the foreign field. We have
been at different times threatened with an invasion of our territory by
other churches. One of the great objects of the Alliance is to prevent
collision among the Churches in the foreign field and see that the
rights and interests of the several Reformed Churches are duly re-
spected by others.
We further believe that our connection with the Alliance will be
favorable to the general maintenance of the venerable consensus of the
Reforu ed Churches, including the preservation of the principle, that a
Scripture Psalmodv alone should be used in celebrating the praises of
God.
For these reasons, and inasmuch as the constitution of the Presby-
terian Alliance provides that there shall be no interference with the
internal order or discipline of any Church belonging to the Alliance, we
recommend the adoption of the following resolutions:
Resolved, 1. That, as the Assembly has fceen assured by the secretary
of tiie Alliance that any departure from the exclusive use of the Scrip-
ture Psalms in the devotional meetings thereof was not by its authority,
and that such departure will be carefully guarded against in future
meetings, the General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church of
North America hereby declares its desire to be re-admitted into ''the
Alliance of the Reformed Churches throughout the world holding the
Presbyterian system."
PRINCIPLES OF THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 231
2. That we will appoint a full delegation of ministers and elders as
our representatives to the Council to meet in Toronto, Canada, Sep-
tember, 1892.
3. That the Clerk of the Assembly be directed to transmit a copy of
these resolutions to the secretary of the Alliance. Vol. VII, p. 736,
1891.
XC. PRESBYTERY, CONSTITUTION OF.
[The Lake Presbytery presented a memorial to the General Assembly
asking the submission of an overture to the Presbyteries for a change
in the law on the constitution of a Presbytery — Sec. 1, Art. 2, Chap.
V, Part I. of Book of Government — so as to admit an elder from each
session instead of from each "pastoral charge." The following was
adopted :]
The change thus proposed has at least one thing to recommend it. It
would secure in Presbyteries the representation of all the sessions in
their respective bounds. But while this is in itself desirable, it would
be attended with this serious disadvantage, that the numerical equality
between the ministers and the ruling elders in the Presbytery would be
destroyed. Your committee is of the opinion that the proposed change,
all things considered, is not desirable. We, therefore, recommend the
adoption of the following resolution :
Resolved, That the prayer of the Lake Presbytery be not granted.
Vol. VII, p. 15, 1888.
XCI. PRINCIPLES OF THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH.
1 . Distinctive Principles of the Church to be Maintained. —
[Memorials relating to the distinctive principles of the United Presby-
terian Church were presented from the Presbytery of Wheeling and
various members of the Assembly. Whereupon the Assembly adopted
the following:]
Resolved, 1st. That the General Assembly hereby declares anew its
devotion to all the distinctive principles of the Church, and its deter-
mination, so far as in it lies, to have all under its supervision properly
instructed in these principles, and to have them carried out by kind and
faithful discipline.
2d. That the sessions of all the congregations throughout the Church
be directed to see that the distinctive principles of the Church are prop-
erly taught in the Sabbath Schools under their care, and that pastors
are enjoined to give careful and needed instructions upon these subjects
in their public and private ministrations.
3d. That the sessions of the Churches be enjoined to be faithful in
requiring the intelligent assent of those whom they admit to member-
ship in the Church to all her distinctive principles, and to exercise the
discipline which the Scriptures and the standards of the Church require
in the case of any who violate these principles.
4th. That Presbyteries are hereby enjoined to exercise proper Pres-
byterial care with respect to the distinctive principles of the Church, by
seeing that sessions, of which they have the oversight, are faithful in
232 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
the admission of members and the exercise of discipline; by Presby-
terial conventions relating to these matters, and by such other means as
may be best adapted to secure the end in view ; and that they report
their obedience to this injunction annually to the General Assembly, in
connection with tlieir report upon the Narrative and State of Religion.
Vol. VI, p. 233, 1885.
Resolved, That the attention of Presbyteries and the Permanent
Committee on Narrative and State of Religion be directed to the fol-
lowing action of the Assembly of 1885, viz.: That the Presbyteries, &c.
[Resolution 4. above.] Vol. VI, p. 682, 1887.
Resolved, 3. Tiiat we urge pastors and sessions to do all in their power
to have members acl consistently and in harmonv with all tlie principles
of our Church. Vol. VII, p. 434, 1890.
2. Annual Report to the General Assembly. — Resolved 4.
That Presbyteries are hereby enjoined to exercise proper Presbyterial
care with respect to the distinctive f)rinciples of tlie Church, by seeing
that Sessions, of which they have the oversight, are faithful in the ad-
mission of members and the exercise of discipline; by Presbyterial con-
ventions relating to these matters, and by such other means as are best
adapted to secure the end in view: and that they report their obedience
to this injunction annually to the General Assembly in connection with
their report upon the Narrative and State of Religion. Vol. VI, p.
233, 1885.
3. Aid not to be Asked for Congregations Ignoring- the Prin-
ciples of the Church. — Resolved, Tliat wiiiie this Assembly urges
upon our members and congregations the great importance of faithfully
maintaining the principles of our Clnirch, the agencies to which tiie dis-
tribution of funds belong must act on the presumption that Presbyteries
will recommend for aid only those congregations which are faithful to
their profession, and active in their efforts to advance the interests of
Christ's Kingdom ; and Presbyteries are hereby urged not to recommend
any congregation for aid, either to the Home Mission Board or Church
Extension Board, which is known to ignore the principles of the United
Presbyterian Church. A^ol. VII, p. 222, 1889.
4. The Boards Do Not Have Presbyterial Supervision of
Congregations. — The agencies to wiiich tlie distribution of funds be-
longs must act on the presumption that Presbyteries will recommend for
aid only those congregations which are faithful to their profession. Vol.
VII, p. 222, 1889.
See Sec. 3, above.
5. Presbyters May Propose a Change in the Principles of
the Church The memorial asks the following question: "Can a
minister or elder be and continue to be in good standing in the United
Presbyterian Church, who proposes or votes to overture the question of
expunging any article of the Confession of Faith or of the Testimony,
or any distinctive principle or ordinance of worship, held and observed
by the said United Presbyterian Church, or who labors and votes in
the Presbytery for such overture after it has been sent down by the
Assembly?"
The question of the memorialist is somewhat indefinite. "We do not
regard it as wise, ordinarily, for the Assembly to decide hypothetical
rKOA'ISIONAL SESSIONS. 233
cases, when the existing laws of the Church are sufficient for all practical
purposes, if properly enforced.
Sec. 5, Art. IV, Chap. V, of the Book of Government, reads as follows :
" Before any regulation affecting the doctrine, worship or government
of the Church shall be adopted or made binding, it shall be transmitted
in overture to all the Presbyteries," etc. This language plainly implies
that such matters are subject to the test of overture, and any member
of the Church has a right to proceed in an orderly manner in the exer-
cise of the privileges implied in this law. And according to the articles
of union, the forbearance in love, required by the law of God, is to be
exercised toward any brethren who may not be able fully to subscribe to
all the standards of the United Church, while they do not determinedly
oppose them, but follow the things which make for peace and things
whereby one may edify another. Vol. VI, p. 663, 1887.
XCII. PROVISIONAL SESSIONS.
Resolved, [by the General Committee on Home Missions and adopted
by the Assembly,] 5. That Presbyteries are cautioned against the
hasty organization of congregations until persons qualified for the elder-
ship may be found in the congregations; and that until such persons be
found the stations be governed by a provisional session. Vol. VII, p.
259, 1889.
Presbyteries should be directed to exercise greater care in organizing
congregations, and, where necessary, appoint a provisional session that
shall have autiiority in these new congregations until, in the judgment
of the Presbytery, the congregations are able to govern themselves.
Therefore,
Resolved, 6. That this Assembly appoint a committee of five, con-
sisting of three ministers and two elders, which shall consider the whole
subject of a provisional session, define its powers and its relations to the
Presbytery, and report to the next Assembly. Vol. VII, p. 413, 1890.
[The committee submitted the following report, which was adopted
by the General Assembly:]
In the enlargement of the Church new congregations are formed.
These, especially in the mission field, are composed of those who have
recently professed their faith in Christ, or have removed from other
congregations, but recently drawn together, all comparative strangers to
each other, and few of them with any considerable experience in Chris-
tian work. They are few in number, and may not have among them
men qualified as yet to take charge of them as elders. But, even more
than at a later time, they need the counsel, the instruction and the help
■which can be given by experienced "overseers of the flock." The
missionary also needs the support of a body of elders, ready to receive
the confession of those who believe, to administer the sacraments, and
to exercise the care which belongs to their office, until some in the mis-
sion have attained that degree of experience, and have shown the
Christian character, prudence and good judgment which qualify for
permanent official position.
Experience has shown that, in many cases, premature organization
has seriously impaired the life of the congregation. For the same
284 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
reason that the spiritual welfiire of a mission, or congregation, is better
met by a stated supply than by supplies from Sabbath to Sabbath, a
stated session, the same body of men having the oversight as long as
there is need for it, is better than special appointments from time to
time.
Also, by the death or removal of its elders, a congregation may be
left without a session, and the circumstances may be such that this con-
dition will continue for a considerable period. Such a time is full of
peril to the life of the congregation. The danger may be averted by
the appointment of a session to have the oversight until the congrega-
tion is prepared to elect its own elders.
The power to make such provision for the care of a mission or dis-
organized congregation, is iuherent in the Presbytery. "It belongs to
the Presbytery to order whatever pertains to the spiritual welfare of the
churches under its care." The wisdom of such an appointment has
been shown by experience.
Such a temporary, or provisional session is appointed to perform the
duties of an ordinary session; that is, to receive members and have the
spiritual oversight and care of the congregation and exercise discipline.
But the Presbytery may restrict or enlarge its powers, according as
circumstances may require.
It may exercise the powers peculiar to a commission of Presbytery
only when distinctly so instructed by the Presbytery.
The provisional session derives its powers from the Presbytery, and
exercises its authority by virtue of its appointment by the Presbytery
and at its discretion. Being constituted for tiie work of a session, its
proceedings are subject to review by the Presbytery, and those under
its care have the same rights as under a regular session. But its mem-
bers are not elected by the congregation or mission, and in the proper
sense of the word are not officers in the congregation. Ordinarily they
are not members of the congregation. They, therefore, cannot take
part or vote in its meetings, and cannot represent it in the higher
courts. But in the case of a congregation partially disorganized, its
rights as to the higher courts are not lost by its temporary misfortune,
and it may be represented by an elder of its own election who is a mem-
ber of the provisional session.
The committee therefore submits the following to the General As-
sembly for adoption :
1. A Provisional Session is one appointed by the Presbytery for an
unorganized mission, or for a congregation which has become partially
or wholly disorganized.
2. The object of the Provisional Session is the oversight and care of
the mission or congregation until such time as it may be prepared to
elect its own elders and become invested with the powers and rights of
an organized church.
3. The powers of a Provisional Session are such as may be defined in
its appointment. If there is no such definition, it has the ordinary
powers of a session as to the admission of members, the administration
of ordinances, the spiritual oversight of the congregation, and the exer-
cise of discipline. But it has not the power to organize a congregation
by the election, ordination and installation of elders without the express
commission of the Presbytery.
PSALMODY. 235
4. The Provisional Session is directly subject to the Presbytery and
continues to exercise its powers at its discretion, and should report its
proceedings, and submit its records for review, at every regular meeting
of the Presbytery. The rights of members under its care are the same
as under a regular session.
5. The Provisional Session is not a part of the congregation, or mis-
sion, its members have not a right to vote at its meetings, or represent
it in the Presbytery. But in the case of a partially disorganized con-
gregation an elder duly installed in it, who is a member of the Pro-
visional Session, may be admitted to a seat in Presbytery as a member
from a pastoral charge. Otherwise the mission or congregation may
appear in the Presbytery by a commissioner.
6. When a Provisional Session has been discharged from its appoint-
ment, it should place its records in the hands of the Presbytery, to be
transmitted to the congregational session, and become part of its per-
manent records. Vol. VII, p. 733, 1891.
XCIII. PSALMODY.
1. Ministers are not to Sanction Human Compositions in the
IVIatter of Praise. — Is it consistent with our standards for our minis-
ters to enter into any arrangements to unite in the public or social wor-
ship of God, where human compositions are employed as the matter of
praise? It is not consistent with our profession to enter into any
arrangements by which we may, in any sense, sanction or approve of
the use of human compositions in tlie worship of God. Vol. I, p. 114,
1860.
2. Paraphrases are not to be used as Songs of Praise in the
Worship of God. — Resolved, 1. That the use of paraphrases as songs
of praise in the worship of God is not consistent with the principles and
usages of the United Presbyterian Church. Vol. Ill, p. 419, 1872.
3. Interpretation of the Law on Psalmody. — In the memorial
the following question is asked : " Does the declaration of our Testi-
mony on Psalmody, Article XVIII, permit members of the United
Presbyterian Church to join in the singing of the compositions of unin-
spired men, in connection with religious services, held anywhere or
under any circumstances?"
That Article XVIII clearly requires us to use only the songs con-
tained in the Book of Psalms, in the worship of God, needs no argu-
ment ; and that uninspired songs may be sung otherwise than as acts of
worship is equally clear.
No definite rule can be laid down by which all can be enabled to de-
termine between acts of worship and exercises of a kindred but less
solemn character. Something must, therefore, be left to the good sense
and Christian prudence of each individual.
The intention of others, with whom we may be expected to join in
singing, will generally be a valuable help in determining this question.
If they are engaged in worship according to their own declaration, then
we, in joining with them, will be regarded as uniting in their worship.
"But if any man say unto you, this is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat
not," is a direction that may safely be followed in many things that are
236 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
not properly classed with idolatry. We, therefore, recommend the
adoption of the following:
Resolved, That the question of the memorial be answered in the
negative. Vol. VI, p. 680, 1887.
4. An Amended Version of the Psalms. — Resolved, That the
Board of Publication be authorized to prepare a revised edition of the
metrical version of the Psalms now in use. Vol. I, p. 41, 1859.
[The Board of Publication presented versions of the Psalms to the
next Assembly, when the following action was taken :]
Resolved, 1. That * * * be a committee, with the Board of Pub-
lication, on the subject of revising the present version of the Psalms.
2. That the whole subject of a revised edition of the Psalms be re-
ferred to the Board of Publication thus strengthened, that they publish
the version as amended, and that they report to the next General As-
sembly. Vol. I, p. 114, 1860.
[The report of this committee was brought before the next Assembly,
when the following action was taken :]
Resolved, 1. That we highly approve the labors of this, committee,
and hereby send their amended version in overture to the Presbyteries
under our care.
2. That in reporting on this overture, the Presbyteries are instructed
to report to the next General Assembly : 1. On the overture, aye or
no. 2. That should any Presbytery have objections to the amended
version, they shall specify particularly to the General Assembly the
grounds of their objection, and should they desire any amendments or
alterations, they shall make them in their own language.
3. That Presbyteries having objections or desiring alterations or
amendments, shall communicate them to the committee on an improved
version of the Psalms before the first of February, 1862 ; and that the
committee be directed to take such suggestions into careful considera-
tion, and embody such as meet their approbation info their report in
full to the next General Assembly, for adoption, should the Assembly
approve them. Vol. I, p. 221, 1861.
[This committee reported to the next Assembly, when the following
action was taken:] It appears: 1. That the amended version of the
Psalms overtured to the church is not adopted. 2. That a decided
majority of Presbyteries are in favor of proceeding with the present
effort under proper restrictions. In view of these conclusions:
Resolved, 1. That the General Assembly refer the amended version
of the Psalms to a select committee, consisting of three members.
2. That the committee be limited in the amendments wliich they shall
propose to the removal of obsolete words, the correction of errors in
grammar, errors of punctuation, and defective lines.
3. That this committee be instructed to report to the next General
Assembly. Vol. I, p. 349, 1862.
[This committee reported to the next Assembly, when the following
action was taken :]
Resolved, 1. That the Assembly express their thanks to the com-
mittee for their services, and the progress made by them in improving
our version of the Psalms.
2. That the proposed amendments be re-committed to the same com-
mittee, with instructions to report to the next Assembly.
PSALMODY. 237
3. That tlie Presbyteries be directed to forward to the committee
fiuch suggestions as may aid them in their work. Vol. I, p. 498, 1863.
[This committee reported to the next Assembly, when the following
action was taken :]
Resolved, 1. That the amendments proposed by the committee on
amending the present version of the Psalms, together with those adopted
at this meeting of the Assembly, be and they hereby are overtured to
the Presbyteries for their consideration, with instructions to report
thereon to the committee before January, 1865.
2. That Presbyteries be directed to report to said committee such
amendments as they would desire to have made, whether these have been
proposed by the committee or not.
3. That Presbyteries be further instructed to report yea or nay,
•whether they would be willing to accept of the version as amended by
the committee and Assembly, in case such additional amendments as
may be suggested should not be adopted.
5. That the committee on amending our present version of the Psalms
have our hearty thanks, that they be continued, and that they are
hereby instructed to prosecute their work until they have amended the
whole of the version, and report to the next assembly. Vol. II, p. 36,
1864.
[This overtured version was not adopted. Yeas, 56 ; nays, 12G. Vol.
II, p. 160, 1865.]
[An amended version of the Psalms was published by the Board of
Publication, concerning which the followincr action was taken:"!
Resolved, 1. That the corrected edition of the authorized version of
the Book of Psalms published by the Board of Publication, and laid on
the table of this Assembly, be approved as the standard edition of our
authorized Psalter.
2. That while approving of this book, the Assembly desires to express
its regret that the Board should have made this publication without the
direction of the Assembly.
3. That the Board be directed not to proceed with the publication of
the proposed series of Psalm Books, until it receives further direction
from the Assembly. Vol. II, p. 165, 1865.
Resolved, 6. That the Board of Publication be directed to complete
the work of amending the present version, according to the plan partially
executed and approved by the Assembly at Washington, Iowa, in 1865.
Vol. II, p. 490, 1868.
Resolved, That * * * be appointed a committee to complete the
•work of preparing an amended version of ihe Psalms, as committed to
the Board of Publication by the last Assembly, and report their amend-
ments to the next Assembly. Vol. Ill, p. 35, 1869.
Your committee, however, are of opinion that they [the amendments
proposed to the old version] are more numerous than is desirable or
necessary ; and as great care should be taken not to impair the integrity
of our present excellent version, or unnecessarily to change language
dear and familiar to so many, they recommend the adoption of the fol-
lowing resolution:
Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed, * * * to which
these amendments shall be referred, with instructions to use them accord-
238 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
ing to their best judgment, in amending the text of the present version
in such a way as shall not impair its identity; and farther, that they have
authority to incorporate and publish an edition of the same as the author-
ized version. Vol. Ill, p. 144, 1870.
Resolved, 3. That said commtttee, with the Board of Publication, be
directed to publish, at as early a day as possible, an edition of the pres-
ent version, when amended as proposed above, with the new versions
inserted in their proper places. Vol. Ill, p. 145, 1870.
Resolved, 1. That the revised edition of the present version of the
Psalms and the new versions, published in the same volume, by direc-
tion of the Twelfth General Assembly, be authorized to be used accord-
ing to the action of that Assembly.
2. That the committee are entitled to the thanks of the Assembly,
and the church, for the faithfulness and ability with which their duty
has been performed.
4. That the present committee, * * * * be continued, to
supervise and correct any typographical and verbal inaccuracies that
may occur in the publication of this authorized edition. Vol. III. p.
284, 1871.
5. A New Version of the Psalms. — Resolved, l. That the version
of the Book of Psalms now used by the United Presbyterian Church
be retained without any change that would affect its integrity.
2. That to be used in connection with this, it is desirable to have an
entirely new version of equal fidelity, and up to the present state of
literature and laws of versification.
3. That a committee be appointed to take charge of this work, and
either by selections from versions extant, or the labors of a competent
person, endeavor to have such a version in readiness to report to the
next Assembly ; that in this work, they be instructed to make fidelity to
the original an object of special attention ; and that, as they progress,
they publish the results of their labors in the periodicals of the church.
4. That this version, when reported to the Assembly, if deemed
worthy, shall be overtured to the Presbyteries. Vol. I, p. 36, 1859.
Resolved, That the committee on the preparation of a new version of
the Psalms be instructed to correspond with the other churches who use
the Book of Psalms, and endeavor to secure their co-operation. Vol. I,
p. 36, 1859.
[This committee reported to the next Assembly, when the following
action was taken :]
Resolved, 1. That * * * be a committee, and they be author-
ized to complete the work assigned them, and report to the next As-
sembly.
2. That in the meantime they shall publish the result of their labors
in cheap pamphlet form, for the examination of the church. Vol. I, p.
120, 1860.
[This committee reported to the next Assembly that they had pre-
pared new versions of sixty-seven Psalms, when the following action
was taken :]
Resolved, 1. That the new and improved version of a portion of the
Book of Psalms, prepared by the committee appointed by the General
Assembly of 1860, be overtured to the Presbyteries under our care.
PSALMODY. 239
2. That Presbyteries be instructed to examine it carefully and report
to the next General Assembly. Vol. I, p. 223, 1861.
[The Assembly of 1862 instructed this committee to report progress
to the next Assembly, Vol. I, p. 365, 1862. To the next Assembly the
committee reported that they had prepared fifteen new versions, when
they were continued, enlarged, and instructed to publish specimens of
the versions prepared by them. Vol. I, p. 495, 1863. The committee
reported to the next Assembly, when the following action was taken :]
Resolved, That the further consideration of this version of fifteen
Psalms be postponed till the question of the copyright of Abner Jones
is satisfactorily settled. Vol. II, p. 27, 1864.
[Owing to the difficulty with Prof. Abner Jones concerning his copy-
riglit, a new committee was appointed, and the work of preparing anew
version of the Psalms was begun anew :j
Resolved, \. That * * * be appointed a committee to take charge
of the preparation of a new version ; that they be empowered to offer
premiums for the best versions of Psalms, and take such other measures
as they may deem proper for attaining the end contemplated ; and that
they report to each successive Assembly such versions of any of the
Psalms as they may judge suitable, which, when approved by the church,
shall be inserted in the Psalm Book, and be authorized to be sung in the
worship of God.
2. That each Synod be requested to appoint, at its first meeting, one
or two of its own members to act as corresponding and consultative
members of this committee.
3. That this committee be enjoined to meet at their earliest conveni-
ence, and prosecute their labors with diligence ; their respective Pres-
byteries, when necessary, supplying their pulpits in their absence. Vol.
II. p. 37, 1864.
[This committee reported that they had prepared versions of sixty-
three Psalms, when the following action was taken :]
Resolved, 1. That this Assembly highly approves the manner in which
the committee intrusted with the preparation of a new metrical version
of the Psalms has performed its work.
2. That in considering the versions of Psalms reported by this com-
mittee, the Assembly will proceed as follows : The moderator shall an-
nounce each version, beginning with the first ; any member may move
to strike out the version announced ; if the motion prevail, the particu-
lar version under consideration shall be rejected ; if not, or if no motion
to reject be made, the version shall be declared approved.
3. That the versions now approved by the Assembly, viz.: All con-
tained in the volume published by the committee on the preparation of a
new version, be and hereby are overtured to the Presbyteries for their
approval or rejection.
4. That the Presbyteries be and hereby are instructed as follows:
First, To act on this overture as early as possible, before the fifteenth
day of September next, at farthest, and to call special meetings for the
purpose. Second, To vote aye or no on each version of a Psalm now
overtured. Third. To communicate their action, without delay, to the
moderator, specifying particularly their objections to the versions they
may reject. Fourth. To report to the next Assembly.
240 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
5. That the moderator be instructed to count the votes received hj
him, and transmit, on or before October 1, the result, together with the
objections of the Presbyteries to rejected versions, to the committee on
the preparation of a new version.
6. That the Assembly, earnestly desiring the completion of the work,
and being persuaded that the versions now in overture will receive the
approval of the church, do hereby call upon the committee above men-
tioned to proceed, without delay, in the preparation of new versions of
the remaining Psalms, and publish the result of their labors as soon as
possible.
7. That such versions as may be thus published by the committee be
and hereby are overtured to the Presbyteries for their adoption or
rejection.
8. That Presbyteries be and hereby are instructed as follows: First.
To vote aye or no on each version of a Psalm thus published. Second.
To communicate their objections to such versions as they may reject, to
the committee. Third. To report to the next Assembly.
9. That the Assembly hereby declares its earnest desire that the
committee on the new version, the Presbyteries, and the next Assem-
bly, will give the whole subject such prompt, earnest and careful atten-
tion, as shall be necessary to bring the work to a speedy close, and
furnish the church with a complete version suited to its wants.
11. That the Presbyteries be instructed to supply the pulpits of such
of their members as are members of this committee while engaged in
the work assigned them by the Assembly. Vol. II, p. 149, 1865.
[At the next Assembly, the vote of the. Presbyteries on the over-
tured Psalms was counted, and the following action was taken:]
Resolved, 1. That the twenty-five versions, specified in the list as
having a majority of three-fourths of the vot<iS cast, be adopted, as
amended by the committee.
2. That the versions which the Assembly shall not adopt at this
meeting, except the fourteen specified in the list as rejected, be con-
tinued in overture until the meeting of the next General Assembly, to-
gether with the amendments adopted by the committee; and also the
second volume be continued in overture.
3. That any versions which may be approved by this Assembly shall
be considered subject to amendment until the whole work of preparing
a new version is finally completed.
4. That any version finally receiving the sanction of the church shall
be incorporated and published with the present authorized version.
5. That it be distinctly stated by this Assembly that, in adopting a
portion of the versions in overture, it is not intended to set aside the use
of the present authorized version or any part of it, nor is it intended to
require the introduction of the new versions into any congregation, nor
even to encourage the introduction of them when this would be offensive
to the people, or any considerable portion of them. It is also earnestly
recommended to pastors and Sessions to do nothing rashly in this
matter whereby the peace of congregations might be marred.
6. That the present committee to prepare a new version be released
in compliance with their request, and that a special committee be ap-
pointed to nominate the members of a new committee. Vol. II, p. 306,
1866.
PSALMODY. 241
fThis committee reported to the next Assembly, when the following
action was taken:]
Resolved, 1. That all the versions of volume first, excepting seven,
which have majorities below fifty, be adopted.
2. That these seven be referred to the committee to be amended, and
that they then be sent down to the Presbyteries in overture.
3. That the amendments proposed by the committee be referred to
the Assembly for their decision.
4. That all the versions adopted by the Assembly be still subject to
amendments, and that Presbyteries be asked to send any alterations they
feel ought to be made, to the chairman of the committee on the new ver-
sion of the Psalms. Vol. II, p. 416, 1867.
Resolved, 1. That * * * be and hereby are appointed a com-
mittee to canvass and publish the votes of the Presbyteries on the over-
ture of the new version of volume second.
2. That all the reports of Presbyteries now on the table of this Assem-
bly be placed in the hands of the aforesaid committee.
3. That this committee be directed to procure, as soon and as far as
practicable, the reports of the Presbyteries on the second volume of new
versions now among the papers of the last Assembly.
4. That the chairman of said committee having ascertained the
Presbyteries from which there is no report, he hereby is directed to
notify the moderator or clerk of such Presbyteries, and call for their
reports.
5. That all Presbyteries which have sent up their reports have leave
to amend them, if they so desire.
6. That the committee close the reception of reports on the second
volume of new versions, on the first day of November, 1867, and all
Presbyteries which desire their voice to be heard in the decision must
have their reports in by that date.
7. That on the first of November, proximo, the committee shall pro-
ceed to canvass and make up the vote on each version, and shall publish
in the papers of the church the numbers of all the versions which shall
have received a majority of two-thirds and over of the votes cast on each
version.
8. That all versions of Psalms in the second volume thus sanctioned
by such votes, shall, as soon as officially announced by the chairman of
said committee, be held as authorized in the worship of tlie clmrch.
9. That the committee prepare such versions as are adopted for pub-
lication, in pamphlet form, by the Board of Publication. Vol. II, p.
414, 1867.
[At the next Assembly the following action was taken :]
Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed, to which shall be re-
ferred the versions of Psalms in the second volume prepared by the
committee, with instructions to select out of those having a majority
over fifty such as appear to be least liable to objection, and report the
same to this Assembly, with a view to their being adopted, as authorized
to be used in the worship of God. Vol. II, p. 502, 1868.
[At the recommendation of this committee sixteen versions were
adopted. Vol. II, p. 508, 1868.]
[The following action was also taken :]
16
242 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Resolved, 2. That * * * be and hereby are appointed a com-
mittee on revision, to which the versions now adopted shall be referred^
for such modifications and amendments as they may think needful.
3. That the above committee report the result of their labors to the
next Assembly for its action.
4. That * * * constitute the committee on versification.
5. That the versions overtured last year, and not adopted, be re-
committed to said committee, with instructions to revise carefully
twenty versions and present them to the next General Assembly for
overture to Presbyteries. Vol. II, p. 490, 1868.
[The committee on versification reported to the next Assembly that
they had prepared twenty eight additional versions, which were over-
tured to Presbyteries. Vol. Ill, p. 15, 18G9. These twenty-eight ver-
sions,with four exceptions, received the requisite majority, and were de-
clared adopted. Vol. Ill, p. 14o, 1870.]
[A committee was appointed to revise the versions already adopted.
On the report of this committee, the following action was taken:]
Resolved, 1. That the corrections and emendations reported be re-
ferred to a committee of five, * * * with instructions to embody
them, as their judgment may dictate, in a collection of versions to be
published as soon as possible.
2. That the Assembly concur with the recommendation of the com-
mittee, except in regard to Psalm VI, 8s and 7s, and agree to strike
out or rescind the action of former Assemblies adopting the following
versions, namely: Psalms XX, C. M.; XXXIX, L. M., six lines;
XLIII, L. M.; LXXXIX, L. M.; CXXXVII, L. M., and CXLVI,
L. M., six lines; as being either altogether unnecessary, or not as faith-
ful translations as others that have been adopted, or as faithful as can
be made of these Psalms; and that the committee be directed to carry
out this in preparing the next edition for publication. Vol. Ill, p. 144,
1870.
Resolved, That the work of preparing new versions be discontinued
for the present. Vol. Ill, p. 144, 1870.
[The committee on versification, appointed by the Assembly of 1869^
reported that they had prepared thirty-three new versions, when the
following action was taken :]
Resolved, 1. That, excepting the versions of Psalms XXXII, L. M.,
and LXXII, 10s, they be sent down in overture to the Presbyteries,
with instructions to report their judgment, yea or nay, to Dr. Beveridge,
the chairman of the committee of five, already named, not later than
December 1, 1870; and that they regard all having a majority of two-
thirds as adopted.
2. That said committee be authorized to count the votes, and incor-
porate those adopted with the new versions already approved.
3. That said committee, with the Board cf Publication, be directed
to publish, at as early a day as possible, an edition of the present version
when amended, with the new versions inserted in their proper places.
4. That the Board of Publication be directed to publish the overtured
versions as speedily as possible, and transmit to the clerks of Presbyter-
ies a sufficient number of copies to supply the ministers and elders of
each Presbytery respectively. Vol. Ill, p. 144, 1870.
PSALMODY. 243
[This committee reported that twenty-six of these versions had re-
ceived a majority of more than two-thirds, and had been incorporated
in the revised edition of tlie Psalms, published by the direction of the
Assembly. Concerning this revised edition of the Psalms, the follow-
ing action was taken :]
Resolved, 1. That the revised edition of the present version of the
Psalms, and the new versions published in the same volume, by direc-
tion of the Twelfth General Assembly, be authorized to be used'accord-
ing to the action of that Assembly.
2. That the committee are entitled to the thanks of tie Assembly
and the church for the faithfulness and ability with which their duty
has been performed.
4. That the present committee, * * * be continued to super-
vise and correct any typograpliical and verbal inaccuracies that may
occur in the publication of this authorized edition. Vol. Ill, p. 284,
1871.
[T)ie history of the preparation of the new version of the Psalms is
thus given by the committee :]
It is now forty.four years since the propriety of amending our version
of the Psalms, and introducing additional duplicate versions, was su<r-
gested in the " Religious Monitor," Vol. I, pp. 497-500. The proposal
at the time met with little favor, but has never since been entirely for-
gotten. During the twelve years since our union, committees have
been again and again appointed to attend to this business. There have
now been prepared and published by these committees 173 versions, not
including twelve which were only republished with amendments. Of
these 173, there have been adopted 145, and nearly all by majorities of
more than two-thirds, and not a few almost unanimously. Seven of
these have since, for various reasons, been dropped ; leaving still 138
versions, embracing 117 Psalms, authorized to be used, in worship, by
the church. Vol. Ill, p. 313, 1871.
6. The Introduction of the Amended and New Versions into
Congregational Worship.— i^eso^rec?, l. That the revised Psalma
are commended to all our congregations, with increased confidence in
their fidelity, excellence and peculiar fitness for the praise of the
churches at the present time.
2. That we do affectionately and sincerely recommend that all our
congregations introduce the revised Psalms into all their worship, in
private and in public, as soon as practicable.
3. That it is the deliberate judgment of this General Assembly,
which we solemnly commend to the consideration of all our people,
that by the early and harmonious introduction of the revised Psalms^
they will contribute their best influence for the conservation and perl
petuation of the Psalms of the Bible in the Church of God Vol III
p. 388, 1872. ' '
Ee&olved, That it is the province of the Session to decide when the
revised Psalm Book shall be introduced into the confrreffations Vol
IV, p. 33, 1874. ° ^
7. Selections from the Psalms to be Published by the Board
or Publication.— i?eso/rcc?. That the Board of Publication be author-
ized to publish selections from the revised edition of the Book of Psalms
244 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
for use in prayer meetings and Sabbath Schools. Vol. IV, p. 189,
1875.
8. Version and Copyright of Prof. Abner Jones — [When the
committee had printed sixty-seven selected and prepared versions, Prof.
Abner Jones, who had published a version, gave notice that he would
regard the publication of" them an infringement of his copyright. Vol.
I, p. 305, 1861. The Assembly appointed a committee to confer with
him on the subject. P. 223. Prof. Jones presented to the Assembly
of 18G4 a memorial on the subject of his copyright, and the Assembly
suspended further consideration of the versions then before it until the
question of copyright was settled, and at tiie same time assured Mr.
Jones that it would not do anything that would infringe his right or that
of any other author, without permission and satisfactory compensation.
It also appointed a committee to confer with Mr. Jones. Vol. II, pp.
27, 30, 1864. 'Jliis committee reported to the next Assembly, and the
Assembly again disclaimed any intention of interfering with the copy-
right of Mr. Jones, and approved tiie determination of the committee to
avoid borrowing from his version. Vol. II, p. 159, 1865. Mrs. Jones
proposed to the Assembly to sell the coi)yright of her late husband, and
the Assembly appointed a committee to confer with her on the subject,
and report to the next Assembly. Vol. II, p. 490, 1868. The subject
does not again appear.]
9. Cop3rright to the New Versions. — The publishers of the Sab-
bath School Quarterly of Chicago asked permission to use the revised
edition of the Book of Psalms in making selections for their publication.
The privilege was granted on condition they would give a like privilege
concerning the music published with the selections. Vol. IV, p. 590,
1878.
See also Psalter, Sec. 3.
10. The Psalter and Bible Songs. — See Bible Songs, and
Psalter.
11. A Conference of Psalm-singing Churches. — A communica-
tion was received from the Associate Reformed Synod of the South,
asking the appointment of delegates to a conference of Psalm-singing
Churches. The appointment was made. Vol. VI, p. 31, 1884, The
conference was held in Pittsburgh, Pa., on September 25, 1884, and
was composed of delegates from the Associate Reformed Synod of the
South, the Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, the General
Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, and the General Assem-
bly of the United Presbyterian Church. A paper was adopted to be
transmitted to the different churches represented, that they might ex-
press their judgment for the direction of a future conference. This
paper was referred to a committee, but no further action appears. Vol.
VI, pp. 220, 296, 1885.
12. A Psalmody Alliance Proposed. — [A paper was submitted to
the Assembly, proposing the formation of a " Psalmody Alliance."]
In the judgment of the General Assembly such an alliance could not
bear more effective testimony for an inspired psalmody than is now
borne by the United Presbyterian Church. [The Principal Clerk was
therefore, instructed to reply that the Assembly respectfully declines to
enter the proposed alliance.] Vol. VII, p. 35, 1888.
PSALTEU, THE. 245
XCIV. PSALTER, THE.
1. The Psalter. — Whereas, Uniformity in singing the praises of
our Zion, in all our congregations, is desirable ; and whereas, experience
has proved that a Psalter prepared with appropriate music set to each
psalm in the hands of every worshiper, is essential to the accomplish-
ment of this end, and at the same time is an efficient aid to singing by
the whole congregation ; and, whereas, Rev. R. li. Robertson and Rev.
John Gailey have with great care, and we believe with a good measure
of success, prepared such a Psalter, and are now ready to put it into the
hands of of our people ;
Resolved, That we cordially commend this book to our people. Vol.
Ill, p. 417, 1872.
[The Psalter was purchased by the Board of Publication.]
Resolved, 1. That the Board [of Publication] take steps to so revise
the Psalter as to obviate the above difficulty, [viz : often presenting the
music on one side of the leaf and the words on the other.]
2. That a limited number of chants and anthems be inserted as an
appendix, and that as regards the musical changes proposed, the Board
be directed to consult the Committee on Selections. Vol. IV, p. 590,
1878.
2. Revision of the Psalter. — Resolved, 2. That the Board [of
Publication] be directed to make, or have made, such a revision of the
Psalter as in their judgment shall be deemed wise and proper, and to
submit the same to the next General Assembly for approval. Vol. VI,
p. 37, 1884.
Resolved, 2. That the Board be directed to continue the work of re-
vising the Psalter, and report to the Assembly at as early a period as
is consistent with the requirements of the work. Vol. VI, p. 229,
1885.
[The Board reported progress, and the Assembly requested the com-
pletion of the work, and directed its publication as soon as completed.
Vol. VI, p. 441, 188G. The Board reported to the Assembly that " the
new Psalter has been published and is now before the Church." Vol.
VI, p. 722, 1887.]
3. Copyright on Psalter and Bible Songs. — [The Presbytery
of Omaha memorialized the General Assembly to order the abandon-
ment of the copywright to the Psalter and Bible Songs held by the
Board of Publication. The Assembly took the following action :]
Resolved, That the Board of Publication be directed to take into con-
sideration the questions suggested by the request of the Presbytery of
Omaha, and act as it may deem best calculated to protect and promote
the interests committed to its charge. Vol. VII, p. 211, 1889.
[The Board reported : " The Board expresses its judgment that these
copyrights should be retained." The Assembly adopted the follow-
3. That the conclusions reached by the Board regarding its copy-
rights to the Revised Psalms, Psalter and Bible Songs be approved.
Vol. VII, pp. 473, 433, 1890.
4. The Denominational Imprint on the Psalter.— [The Presby-
tery of Omaha memorialized the General Assembly to direct the Board
246 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
of Publication to publish the Psalter and Bible Songs without its im-
print, or the name of the United Presbyterian Church upon them. The
Assembly directed the Board of Publication "to take into consideration
the questions suggested by the request of the Presbytery of Omaha, and
act as it may deem best calculated to protect and promote the interests
committed to its charge." Vol. VII, p. 211, 1889. Tlie Board re-
ported to the Assembly: "The Board believes it would not accrue to
the advantage of our Church, or to the cause of Christ in any way, to
leave off' the imprint of the Board from the Psalter and Bible Songs."
The Assembly took the following action :]
Resolved, 4. That we approve of tlie work ©f the Board in publishing
its imprint on ti)e " Bible Songs " and " Psalters." Vol. VII, pp. 474,
433, 1890. [See also, Bible Songs, Sec. 5.]
XCV. PUBLICATION, BOARD OF.
1. Charter of the Board of Publication.— [Granted by the
Legislature of Pennsylvania; approved by the Governor, April 14,
18G3, and accepted by the Assembly, Vol. I, p. 484, 1863.]
Section 1. Be it enacted, &c., that Rev. David R. Kerr, D. D.,
Rev. James Prestley, D. D., Rev. James Rodgers, D. D., Rev. John
G. Brown, D. D., Rev. George C. Vincent, Charles Arbuthnot, James
McCandless, James Robb and William Stevenson and their successors
in office be and they hereby are constituted and created a body politic
and corporate, in deed and in law, by the name, style and title of the
United Presbyterian Board of Publication; and by that name to have
perpetual succession, to sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded, in all
the courts of law and equity, or before any Alderman or Justice of the
Peace, in all manner of suits, complaints, pleas, matters and demands
of whatever nature or kind the same may be, and to adopt and use a
common seal, and the same to change at pleasure.
Sec. 2. That said corporation shall have power to take, hold, re-
ceive and possess goods, chattels, rights, credits, moneys and bequests;
and use, sell, convert and dispose of the same for the objects and pur-
poses hereinafter set forth. All conveyances of real estate shall be
made to the Trustees of the General Assembly of the United Presby-
terian Ciiurch of North America, in trust for said United Presbyterian
Board of Publication. Provided.; That the net annual income shall not
exceed $20,000.
Sec. 3. That the object of said corporation shall be two-fold : First.
To purchase or print and circulate the Holy Scriptures, or parts of the
Holy Scriptures, in the authorized version, together with tlie Psalms,
in metre, according to the version approved by the United Presbyterian
Churcii. Second. To select and publish such tracts, papers, periodicals
and books as shall be a sound and suitable religious literature for Sab-
bath-schools, ministers, congregations, and the community at large, and
to take such measures as may be necessary for the distribution and cir-
culation of the same.
Sec. 4. That, besides the general publication fund, said corporation
shall keep a separate fund to be known by the title of the Bible Fund;
and all donations and bequests made to that fund, shall be so credited,
PUBLICATION, BOARD OF. 247
and applied to no other object than that specified in the first part of
section third.
Sec. 5. That said Board of Publication shall be under and subject
to the control of the General Assembly of the United Presbyterian
Church, and it shall be their duty to report annually at the meeting of
the said Assembly, for their approval, the amount of donations and be-
quests made throughout the year, to the Bible Fund, as well as to the
general publication fund, what amount has been expended in each of
these departments, and how expended, the state of the treasury, stock
on hand, and any other items of information which it may be import-
ant for the Assembly to know.
Sec. G. That the persons herein designated as corporators shall, as
soon as practicable, organize and elect a Board of Managers, not ex-
ceeding nine in number, who shall determine the manner of electing
members and officers of the Board, when the term of such members and
officers shall expire, how vacancies of members and officers shall be
filled, the time of meeting, the number necessary to constitute a
quorum, and make rules, regulations and by-laws necessary to carry out
the objects herein set forth. Provided, That said rules, regulations and
by-laws be not repugnant to the constitution and laws of this Common-
wealth, and the constitution and laws of the United States.
[A supplement to the charter of the Board of Publication was ordered
by tlie Assembly. Vol. I, p. 484, 18G3; granted by the Legislature- of
Pennsylvania, and approved by the Governor, April 18, 1864.]
Section 1. Be it enacted, &c., that the business of the United
Presbyterian Board of Publication shall be under the control and man-
agement of a Board of nine managers, five of whom shall constitute a
quorum ; the said managers shall be elected by the General Assembly
of the United Presbyterian Church, and shall hold tlieir office for three
years; but the term of office of the present Board shall expire as fol-
lows : The first three named, in one year from the time of their elec-
tion, the next three in two j-^ears, and three members shall be elected
hereafter annually.
Sec. 2. So much of the sixth section of the act to which this is a
supplement, as is inconsistent herewith, be and the same is hereby re-
pealed.
[An amendment to the charter of the Board of Publication was
granted by the Legislature of Pennsylvania ; approved by the Gov-
ernor, April 3, 1872, and accepted by the General Assembly, Vol. Ill,
p. 389, 1872.]
Section 1. Be it enacted, &c., that section second of said act of in-
corporation be and hereby is so amended as to read as follows, viz.:
" Sec. 2. That said corporation shall have power to take, hold, re-
ceive and possess goods, chattels, rights, credits, bequests and titles to
real estate made or to be made, and to use, sell, convert and dispose of
the same for the objects and purposes hereinafter set forth."
Sec. 2. That said Board of Publication shall have power to fill
vacancies occuring in the interval between the meetings of the General
Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church, the persons so appointed
to hold office only till the meeting of said Assembly.
Sec. 3. This act shall take effect and be of force when accepted by
248 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
the General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church of North
America.
[The supplement to the charter, Sec. 1, was so amended as to make
the Board consist of " fifteen managers, eight of whom shall constitute
a quorum." Vol. V, p. 796, 1883 ; Vol. VI, p. 78, 1884.]
2. Constitution of the Board of Publication. — [A constitution for
the Board of Publication was adopted, Vol. I, p. 47, 1859, but it was
superseded by the general constitution of the Boards, and the following
new constitution :]
1. This Board shall be styled " The Board of Publication of the
United Presbyterian Church of North America," and shall be located
in the city of Pittsburgh.
2. The duties and powers of this Board shall be to select and publish
such tracts, papers, periodicals and books as shall be a sound and suit-
able literature for families. Sabbath-schools, ministers and the com-
munity at large ; to take proper measures for the widespread circulation
of its publications, and to publish whatever the Assembly may direct.
The affairs of the Board shall be so managed, that its liabilities shall
not exceed its assets available within the year, and so as to furnish its
publications at the cheapest possible rates. Vol. IV, p. 25, 1874.
3. Regulations of the Board of Publication. — [Certain regula-
tions were recommended, Vol. IV, p. 89, 1874. The following were
adQpted, Vol. IV, p. 590, 1878:]
First Your committee would recommend that the Board of Pub-
lication be instructed to form by-laws, defining the duties of the corre-
sponding secretary, viz.:
1. To edit any periodical authorized to be published by the Board.
2. To receive all matter for publication, and submit it, with his judg-
ment, to the Board.
3. To conduct all correspondence with authors, and fix the price
of copyright, subject to approval by the Board ; to prepare all works for
the press, and be responsible for the accuracy of the same.
4. To prepare the annual report of the Board to the General Assem-
bly, containing a full statement of the condition, wants and work of
the Board, said report to be submitted to the Board for approval at
its last regular meeting previous to the meeting of the General Assem-
bly ; also, to prepare a report of more general character as to the work
and condition of the Board, to be presented to the different Synods each
year.
5. To be ex-officio a member of the permanent committees, except
the auditing committee.
Second. — Your committee would recommend that the Board be in-
structed to create the office of business manager, and that his duties shall
be as follows :
1. This officer shall be under the more immediate control of the
executive committee, and shall take charge of the Board's buildings,
books, stereotype plates and other property, as the committee may
direct.
2. He shall make all contracts for printing, binding, engraving, stereo-
typing and advertising ; make all purchases of material used in the bus-
iness ; and give all orders for work or material on behalf of the Board,
subject to the approval of the same committee.
PUBLICATION, BOARD OF. 249
3. He shall lay before the auditing committee, at its monthly meetings,
all bills due by the Board.
4. He shall take charge of sales, and use all practical means to ex-
tend them ; he shall give his undivided time to tlie Board, and not be
allowed to engage in any other business ; he shall receive all orders for
books, and conduct all correspondence with booksellers, and other busi-
ness correspondence.
5. He shall report to the corresponding secretary in full, as per forms
adopted by this Assembly, the business of the year, in time for him to
make his report to the Assembly and be adopted at the regular May
meeting of the Board, previous to the meeting of the Assembly.
6. He shall report monthly to the Board the amount of the sales of
each month, and any other information the executive committee may re-
quire. Vol. IV, p. 634, 1878.
Hesolved, I. That the blank forms prepared by this committee for
annual exhibits be recommended for use.
2. That the Board have authority to provide a business manager who
shall be directly responsible to the Board.
4. That the Board be authorized to make such provision for aid to the
manager as will enable him to prosecute, systematically and efficiently,
all the work connected with the publishing house, and that they take
note of all mutters to which attention is called by your special commit-
tee. Vol. IV, p. 590, 1878.
4. The Board to Collect Material for a History of the
Church. — Reavlved, 3. That tlie Board be instructed to obtain all the
material that they can for a complete history of the United Presbyte-
rian Church. Vol. I. p. 223, 18GI.
5. The Board to Establish a Bible and Psalm Book Fund.—
Resolved, 5. That the Board be authorized and directed to establish
a fund, with a view to publishing the Scriptures, and along with them,
an approved metrical version of the Psalms, when such a version shall
have been prepared and adopted by the Assembly ; and that the be-
quests and donations already made to the Board for this purpose be the
commencement of this fund. Vol. I, p. 487, 1863.
Resolved, 6. That we recommend the establishment of a Psalm Book
fund, to which special contributions may be invited, to enable the Board
to make donations of Psalm Books as donations of Bibles with the
Psalms are now made, and that $1,000 be appropriated to this fund
from the funds contributed to the Board during the year. Vol. Ill, p.
389, 1872.
6. The Board to Establish Depositories. — Resolved, Q,, That this
Assembly recommends that a depository for the sale and distribution
of the publications of the Board be established in each Synod subordi-
nate to the Assembly, and that the location of such depository be under
the direction of the several subordinate Synods respectively, and that
ministers be urged to call the attention of the people to these publica-
tions. Vol. I, p. 487, 1863.
Resolved, 3. That in accordance with the memorial from the Presby-
tery of Delaware, and in order that the publications of this Board may
be more easily obtained by all the members of our church and all others
who desire them, the superintendent be directed, upon application of
250 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Presbyteries, with approved security, to establish an agency within the
bounds of each Presbytery, wliere all the publications of the Board may
be obtained, at the lowest retail prices of the Board. Vol. Ill, p. 389,
1872.
Resolved, 3. That the Board is hereby directed to carry out the regu-
lation adopted in 1863, and establish, as soon as practicable, deposito-
ries in the various Synods, with a view to supplying our people with a
sound literature. Vol. V, p. 37, 1879.
7. The Board to Make Donations to Weak Congregations
and Sabbath Schools. — Resolved, 7. That the Board be and hereby
is authorized to make donations of books and libraries to weak and indi-
gent Sabbath Schools, and that discretionary power be granted to it in
the selection of such schools. Vol. I, p. 487, 1863.
Resolved 3. That applications to the Board for donations to Sab-
bath Schools in weak congregations and mission stations be made
through the superintendents of missions in the Presbyteries, or if at all
practicable, through the Presbyteries. Vol. Ill, p. 18, 1869.
Resolved, 3. That the Board be authorized to donate to missions. Sab-
bath Sciiools, theological students and missionaries, in suitable books, an
amount equal to the contributions made during the year. Vol. IV, p.
591, 1878.
8. The Board Authorized to Encourage the Preparation of
Original Works by Paying for Manuscripts and Offering
Prizes. — Resolved, 2. That the Board be authorized to encourage the
preparation of original works, by paying a reasonable price for manu-
scripts, which, in their judgment, are suitable for publication. Vol. Ill,
p. 18, 1869.
Resolved, 1. That this Assembly heartily commend the Board of Pub-
lication in its efforts to increase our own church's literature, and we do
hereby authorize said Board to offer prizes for the best manuscripts from
members of the United Presbyterian Church, said offers to be subject to
the regulations mentioned in the printed statement of the Board to this
Assembly. Vol. IV, p. 323, 1876.
9. The Board to Publish a Church Register and Blanks for
the Use of Sessions, etc. — Resolved, That in accordance with the
petition of tlie Westmoreland Presbytery, the Board of Publication be
authorized to prepare and publish a church register and blanks for the
use of Sessions, missionaries and financial agents, in such form and in
such numbers as the exigencies of the Church may, in the judgment of
the Board, di^mand. Vol. I, p. 487, 1863.
10. The Board to Establish a System of Colportage.— [The
General Assembly instructed the Board to establish a system ot colport-
age. Vol. V, p. 37, 1879. The Board reported regulations for this
work, and the Assembly approved the same. Vol. V, p. 231, 1880.]
11. Sabbath-School Publications Purchased. — [The proprietors
of the Sabbath-School publications in general use in the Church pro-
posed to sell them to the Board of Publication. The Assembly adopted
the following:]
Resolved, 1. That the Board are hereby instructed to purchase these
publications, and proceed as soon as possible to take them under their
control and management, provided they can be purchased on equitable
and satisfactory terms.
PUBLICATION, BOARD OF. 251
2. That in case the purchases are made, the appointment and com-
pensation of the editor or editors of the periodicals shall be left, for the
current year, to the Board, subject to the approval of the General As-
sembly. Vol. V, p. 197, 1880.
[The Board reported to the next Assembly that the purchase had
been made.]
12, Consolidation of the Sabbath-School Commitee and the
Board of Publication. — [A report was submitted to the General
Assembly of 1882, by a joint committee composed of the Committees
on Sabbath-schools and the Board of Publication, recommending that
the Permanent Committee on Sabbath-schools and the Board of Pub-
lication be consolidated. The subject was referred to a special com-
mittee to report to the next Assembly. This committee reported that
the Sabbath-school work would be made more efficient by the proposed
consolidation, and submitted the following plan :]
1. The Supplement to the Charter of the Board of Publication shall
be so amended as to place it under the management of a Board of
fifteen (15) managers, eight (8) of whom shall constitute a quorum.
II. The Board of Publication is hereby directed to appoint at its first
regular meeting after the aforesaid amendment to the charter has been
secured, and annually thereafter, six (6) of its members who, with the
editor of the Sabbath-school periodicals, shall constitute the Sabbath-
school Committee of said Board, and it shall be the duty of this com-
mittee to have general oversight of the Sabbath-school interests involved
in the work of the Board, to prepare and present to the Board suitable
action with reference thereto, and to perform, subject to the approval of
the Board, all the duties now devolving upon the Assembly's Permanent
Committee on Sabbath-schools.
III. The Board is also instrucfed to direct its editor to present the
Sabbath-school work, when practicable, to the Synods and Assemblies
and in the Theological Seminaries, urging its importance, describing its
improved methods of teaching and managing, and giving whatever other
information will be likely to create for it a greater interest and promote
its usefulness.
IV. The Board of Publication is hereby directed to secure such legal
action as will carry these resolutions into effect.
V. The Permanent Committee is hereby declared to be dissolved so
soon as the Board of Publication has been organized in accordance with
the foregoing resolutions.
Resolved, 1. That the plan of consolidation of the Board of Publica-
tion and the Permanent Committee on Sabbath-schools, reported by the
Committee on Consolidation, be adopted.
2. That the general constitution of the Boards of the Church be
amended so as to read : " 1. The several Boards now in existence shall
each be composed of not less than nine members." Vol. V, pp. 796,
722, 1883.
13. The Board to Publish Tracts on the Work and Principles
of the Church. — Resolved, 3. Tliat with a view of promoting an in-
telligent interest in the general work of the Church, the Board of Pub-
lication be instructed to have prepared and published an inexpensive
pamphlet on the subject. Vol. VI, p. 681, 1887.
252 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
6. That the Board be instructed to prepare and publish without de-
lay, in tract form, a brief, concise and inexpensive statement of the
doctrines and distinctive principles of our Church, suitable to put into
the hands of young Christians and others not familiar with them. Vol.
VII, p. 433, 1890.
14. The Board to Publish Temperance Literature. — Resolved,
4. That the Board of Publication be instructed to prepare a tract, em-
bodying the deliverances of the General Assembly on the subject of
Temperance, and to provide such literature on present reform move-
ments as may be suitable and demanded, for gratuitous distribution.
Vol. VII, p. 638, 1891.
5. Statistics of Contributions to the Board of Publication.—
The General Assembly gave order that the column in the statistical
tables iieaded — " Publication " be discontinued, and that the contribu-
tions to this Board be included in "General Contributions." Vol. VII,
p. 637, 1891.
XCVI. QUARTER CENTENNIAL COMMISSION.
1. A Memorial Fund. — [The Synod of New York presented to the
General Assembly a petition that steps be taken to raise a special fund
of $500,000 for church work, as a memorial of the union in which the
Church was organized. In view of the effort necessary to meet the in-
creased appropriations to the Boards, the Assembly regarded it inexpe-
dient to undertake to raise the special fund. Vol. V, j). 533, 1882.
Subsequently a general convention, held in the First Church, Alle-
gheny, Pa., on September 6, 1882, "endorsed the proposed movement
to raise $500,000 as an expression of gratitude to God for his grace;
designated the objects to which contributions should be made; ordered
that contributions should be made to no other objects except in certain
specified cases ; asked the Assembly to distribute all money not desig-
nated by the donors; appointed a committee, called the Quarter-Cen-
tennial Commission, to liave charge ot the movement, to use all neces-
sary means to bring it to the attention of the Church, and to exercise
all diligence to prosecute it to completion ; and directed the Commission
to report in full to the next General Assembly."
The Commission reported to the Assembly that their efforts had met
with a most cordial response; that tlie subscriptions to the fund
amounted to $387,984.70, of which $131,593.30 had been paid; and
suggested that the work be continued during another year. Vol. V, p.
792, 1883.
In order to the better prosecution of its work, the Quarter-Centennial
Commission became an incorporated body.
The General Assembly expressed its gratification at the work accom-
plished by the Commission; continued the Commission for another
year, with instructions to complete the work of canvassing the entire
Church, and to report its diligence to the next Assembly; instructed it
to prepare and publish for free distribution a history of the Memorial
Fund, and devoutly acknowledged the grace of God, and returned
thanks to the donors. The General Assembly also set forth at length
the principles governing it in the distribution of the fund, and gave the
following orders:]
QUARTER CENTENNIAL COMMISSION. 253
Resolved, 1, That all designated contributions of the Memorial Fund
be applied strictly to the objects designated.
2. That the Boards of Publication and Education, and other objects
not specified by the original Conference, yet subsequently admitted to
shares of the Memorial Fund by designation of donors, and approved
by the Commission, be granted the sums designated respectively to them,
and no more.
3. That the Memorial Fund, less the sum of all these designations to
such other objects, be ordered to be appropriated to objects, and accord-
ing to a schedule of percentage, as follows : To Foreign Missions, 20
per cent.; Home Missions, o per cent.; Church Extension, 14 per cent.;
Freedmen's Mission, 4 per cent.; Ministerial Relief, 4 per cent,; Alle-
gheny Theological Seminary, 9 percent.; Xenia Theological Seminary,
9 per cent.; Westminster College, 12 per cent.; Monmouth College, 12
per cent.; Muskingum College 8 per cent.; Knoxville College's per
cent.; provided the aggregate contributions designated to any of the
above objects do not exceed the above percentage in its behalf: but if
there should be such excess in the designations to any, or to several of
the above named objects, then, on such condition, all the above appor-
tionments not thus exceeded by such designations shall suffer corres-
ponding diminution joro rata.
4. That of the undesignated money in the Memorial Fund, there be
distributed to the objects specified in the third resolution respectively
such sums as, with the designations to the same, will make up the
percentages ordered.
[Also the following in relation to moneys now or hereafter comin^
into the hands of the Treasurer :]
Resolved, That the Treasurer be and hereafter is directed to make a
quarterly disbursement of all moneys received and designated by donors
to objects specified by the preliminary Conference, or approved by the
Commission, to the objects designated, and that of the undesignated
money received by him, he make disbursement according to the above
schedule of apportionment ; that he make the first disbursement the 15tli
of June, 1883, and quarterly disbursements thereafter until the accounts
be closed and subscriptions to the Quarter-Centennial Fund be settled.
Vol. V. pp. 792, 737, 1883.
[The Commission was continued from year to year for the completion
of its work of collection and settlement, and made annual reports. Vol.
VI, pp. 93, 1884 ; 294, 1885 ; 495, 1886 ; 737, 1887 ; Vol. VII, pp. 88,
1888 ; 289, 1889 ; 429, 492, 1890.]
[The final report gives the following summary :]
The total amounts received by the Boards, Institutions, etc., from the
Quarter-Centennial Commission in cash, notes and property, or paid to
them direct by the donors, and receipts sent to the Quarter-Centennial
Commission, are as follows :
Board of Foreign Missions $71 760 00
Board of Home Missions 21,594 08
Board of Freedmen's Missions 14,352 00
Board of Cliurch Extension 50 232 00
Ministerial Relief 14,352 00
Allegheny Seminary 32|292 00
254 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Xenia Seminary $32,292 00
Westminster College 43,056 00
Muskingum College 28,704 00
Monmouth College 43,056 00
Knoxville College 10,764 00
Orphans' Home 9,714 80
Lincoln College 682 02
Franklin College 3,079 00
Indian School at Carlisle 16 00
Assembly Fund 1 00
Cooper Memorial College 363 85
Chartiers Church, McKee's Rocks 200 00
Mount Washington Mission 100 00
Richmond Congregation 250 00
Portland Mission 25 00
Oakland Chapel 182 50
Board of Trustees of General Assembly 3,000 00
$380,068 25
[Under the influence of the Quarter-Centennial movement many con-
gregations were enabled to pay off old debts, while some others built
churches and parsonages. So far as ascertained, the amount so raised
was $329,490, as a part of the memorial movement, making the total
sum raised by the commission director under its influence, $709,558.25.
The auditing committee submitted the following report :]
We, the undersigned, appointed to audit the accounts of James J.
Porter, Treasurer of the Quarter-Centennial Commission, do certify
that we have examined the foregoing statement and compared the
vouchers for the disbursements, and do find it to be correct. We find
that the total amount collected (in cash and notes), is $380,068.25, and
that the expense attending the entire work has been $1,873.66 (lessthan
one-half per cent.), and that the Fund has been so capably managed,
that the interest received in excess of that paid out, is $1,049.54, which
reduces the actual expense of the work done by the Commission to
$824.12, or less than one-fourth per cent, on the sum collected. It is
worthy of note that in the entire work no expense has been incurred by
the officers of the Commission for traveling expenses or clerical work.
Vol. VII, pp. 493, 494, 1890.
[The General Assembly adopted the following:]
6th. In receiving the final report of the Quarter-Centennial Commis-
sion, properly audited and certified, we recommend its approval, and
the discharge of the Commission with the adoption of the following res-
olutions :
Resolved, 1. That great gratitude is due the King and Head of the
Church for inspiring his servants to conceive the movement ; for put-
ting a spirit of liberality into the hearts of the members of the Church,
whereby they were led to contribute to this fund ; for the increased effi-
ciency that has come to the Boards and educational institutions of the
Chnrch from the funds thus provided ; for the increased liberality of the
Church, aroused by this movement, and for its benign influence in uni-
fying and centralizing the energies of the Church during a period of
serious apprehension.
2. That the official and unofficial membership of the Church be com-
mended for the generosity and hearty co-operation which characterized
REED ESTATE. 255
them in helping forward tlie enterprise, and attention be called to what
the Church can accomplish when her energies are aroused and properly
directed.
3. That this Assembly recognizes the great burden and responsibility
that rested upon the Commission, and that it hereby expresses its deep
thankfulness to all the members for their fidelity, and for their unselfish
expenditure of time, and means, and energies in the successful accom-
plishment of the enterprise committed to their supervision.
4. That inasmuch as the Commission suggests the appointment of
some one to look after the collection of subscriptions not yet paid, and
other business that may arise relative to this matter requiring attention,
that Mr. J. J. Porter be appointed for this purpose. Vol. VII, n. 429*,
1890.
A Memorial Service.— [On the recommendation of the Quarter-
Centennial Commission, the General Assembly held a memorial per-
vice in the Second Church, Allegheny, Pa., on the twenty-fifth anni-
versary of the formation of the United Presbvterian Church, Saturday,
May 26, 1883, at 10 a. m. Vol. V, pp. 717,' 795, 1883.]
XCVII. "QUOTA."
Definition of " The Quota. "—In reply to the memorial of certain
brethren asking a definition of the term "quota," as applied to the con-
tributions of the congregations to the Boards of the Church, your com-
mittee would submit the following: So far as the Assembly is concerned,
the term is not employed. Upon the representation of Boards, the
Assembly from year to year makes appropriations for the work of the
several Boards. The sums so appropriated divided by the membership
of the Church give the average required of each, in order that the
amount may be realized. But the Assembly has never proposed to
assess either the individual members or congregations. All are to give
as they are able — as the Lord has prospered them. In reporting the
amounts contributed, the congregations are instructed to include all
their contributions to the several Boards, irrespective of the agency by
•which they are gathered and the channel through which they are trans-
mitted. If then the "quota" is to be recognized by the Assembly, it is
the judgment of your committee that all moneys reaching the Boards,
through whatever channel transmitted, are to be reckoned as part of
said quota. Vol. VII, p. 646, 1891.
XCVIII. REED ESTATE.
The undersigned would respectfully represent that the' late William
Eeed, of Sewickley, Pa., in his will appointed Revs. D. S. Kennedy
and Samuel Collins, and Mr. James R. Reed, trustees and executors,
"with power to perpetuate their succession," and to employ a secretary
and counsel. As neither Mr. Kennedy nor Mr. Reed could serve,
Messrs. Wm. P. Murray and F. C. Osburn were appointed and duly
qualified in their places.
The will, after directing the sale of all the property 'and the payment
of all debts and sundry personal bequests, provides, "jThat all the bal-
ance be appropriated as follows: The principal to be 'invested in some
256 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OP THE ASSEMBLY.
good and secure bonds, the interest to be divided yearly for thirty
years, one-third to assist pious, indigent young naen to get an education
to fit them for the office of ministers of the gospel in this country ; one-
third to go to assist weak and struggling congregations to build houses
of worship, to be given as a loan from three to ten years, without in-
terest, said loans to be made through the Board of Church Extension
of the United Presbyterian Church of North America; and the remain-
ing third to be paid to the Board of Foreign Missions, to be applied to
the education ot young men in foreign fields preparing for the ministry
of our Lord and Saviour, if such tliere are, needing assistance among
the natives attached to the Foreign Missions of the United Presbyterian
Churcli of North America." "After the thirty years before mentioned
have expired, the General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church
may continue the distribution of the funds and interest for twenty years
longer if, in their judgment, they will in that way be most beneficial to
the cause of religion ; or they may alter the proportion to the objects
mentioned ; or may apply it all to the home field or the foreign field ;
but in no case shall any of this fund be applied to support colleges, or
confer a secular education, or to pay any part of ministers' salaries,
either for teaching or preaching, except in the case of foreign missions,
for a short time, in case of an emergency."
"After fifty years have expired the said General Assembly may ap-
propriate the whole fund, then on hand, for the support of students
studying at the different theological seminaries under their charge in
this and foreign lands, so as to assist them according to their financial
needs and abilities in all future time, so long as this fund shall last."
"The acts of the trustees, heretofore appointed, shall be subject to the
supervision of said General Assembly, to whom they shall report once
in each year; and in the event of a majority of the trustees resigning or
dying without electing their successors, the General Assembly at its
next meeting, shall fill such vacancy; and in the event of said trustees
not reporting to said General Assembly, said Assembly shall appoint a
commission to examine the accounts of said trustees, and if anytiiing is
found wrong in their transactions shall take charge of the funds and
papers until the next General Assembly, who shall declare the trustees'
office vacant and elect others to fill the vacant place or places."
In accordance with the requirement in the foregoing extracts we
would respectfully report to this General Assembly that the estate of
Mr. Reed, which at the date of the will, January 8, 1875, was quite
large, had at his death, October, 1887, by heavy losses and unproduc-
tive investments, been greatly reduced. It consisted largely of wild
lands in West Virginia and Missouri. These were covered with tax
titles and other claims, requiring large sums and prompt action to save
them from entire forfeiture. By selling certain tracts, for there was no
cash, no stocks or bonds of any value belonging to the estate, money
was raised to pay all known debts. Until within a few months it was
not supposed that, after paying the debts and personal bequests, there
would be any "residue" for the Church funds named. But the death
of Mrs. Reed in January last, releasing some $30,000, and a greater
demand for the wild lands, render it probable there will be a balance of
thirty to fifty thousand dollars for these funds. Hence the occasion for
this report.
REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 257
To perhaps 400,000 acres of wild lands in West Virginia and Ken-
tucky, costing large sums of money, the title is very doubtful. Some
have been sold for taxes; steps have been taken to clear up these titles.
To other tracts the titles are undisputed, and negotiations are on foot
for their sale. It is hoped we will be able to report decided progress
next year. Vol. VII, p. 512, 1890.
FThe Trustees reported to the General Assemblv. Vol. VII, p.
739, 1891.]
XCIX. READING SERMONS.
Resolved, That the Assembly expresses its decided disapprobation of
this practice. Vol. II, p. 309, 186G.
C. REFORM MOVEMENTS.
Resolved, That it be, and hereby is earnestly urged upon the minis-
ters and members of our Church to co-operate, as God in his providence
and by his Spirit may call, witli our fellow Christians of otiier branches
of the Churcli, in those measures of reform which seek to destroy the
kingdom of Satan and establish the kingdom of Christ. Vol. VII, pp.
227, 295, 1889.
CI. REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH,
[General Synod.]
Union with the Reformed Presbyterian Chvoccla..— Resolved,
That tiie committee on correspondence be instructed to inform the Gen-
<^ral Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, to meet in Philadel-
phia on the 25tii instant, of tlie receipt of tiieir communications to the
General Synod of tlie Associate Reformed Church, and the Synod of
the Associate Church, referred to this Assembly by those bodies; to
transmit to them a copy of the basis of union, and the action had upon
it; and to invite them to take similar action, with a view to their be-
coming a part of tiie United Presbvterian Church. Vol. I, p. 30,
1859.
Gratefully acknowledging the goodness of the Head of the Church, in
crowning our past efforts to promote union among those of " like precious
faith" with such signal success, we would be encouraged to still iurther
labors in the same great cause; therefore,
Resolved, That the committee on correspondence be directed to ad-
dress, on tills subject, both branches of the Reformed Presbyterian
Church in our own land. Vol. II, ]>. 160, 1865.
Resolved, 1. That this Assembly have heard with no ordinary degree
of pleasure the unfeigned desire of our bretiiren of the Reformed Cliurch
to enter into an organic union with us, that we sincerely reciprocate this
desirt, and most cordially concur in the sentiment so well expressed in
the letter of their delegate, "that those who have the least to separate
them ouglit first to come together."
2. That a committee be now appointed by this Assembly to confer
with the committee which has already been appointed by them with re-
gard to this desired union. Vol. II, p. 319, 1866.
17
258 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Resolved, 1. That we hail with much pleasure the proposal of the Gen-
eral Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, to appoint committees
to meet and confer together, with a view to effect a union between the
two churches.
2. That * * * be appointed a committee to meet with a similar
committee of the Reformed Presbyterian Churcii. and that a meeting
be held on the thirtieth day of June next, in the First United Presby-
terian Church, Pittsburgh. Vol. II, p. 510, 1868.
[This committee reported to the next Assembly a proposed basis^
which had been under discussion by the joint committee, Vol. Ill, p.
12, 18G9, when the following action was taken:]
Resolved, That the committee be re-a])pointed to prosecute the work
in which they have been engaged, should the Reformed Presbyterian
Church see lit to continue the negotiation. Vol. Ill, p. 12, 1869.
[This committee reported the following basis, which was approved by
the Assembly :]
Whereas, An organic union between the General Assembly of the
United Presbyterian Church and the General Synod of the Reformed
Presbyterian Churcli is most desirable and of the utmost importance to
the maintenance and more general diffusion of the principles which they
hold in common ; therefore.
Resolved, 1. That these churches agree to form an organic union on
the basis of the ])riiiciples embraced in common in their respective
Testimonies, and tiie other subordinate standards.
2. That th"se cliurches, when united, shall be called the United
Presbyterian Church, consisting of the Reformed Presbyterian Church
and the United Presbyterian Church, and that the Supreme Judicatory
of the United Churcii shall be called the General Assembly of the
United Presbyterian Church of jSorth America.
3. That the different Boards and institutions of the respective
churches shall not be affected by this union, but shall have the control
of their funds, and retain all their corporate or other riglits and privi-
leges, until the interests of the church shall require a change. Vol.
Ill, p. 131, 1870.
CIl. REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. [SYNOD.]
1. Union with the Reformed Presbyterian Church (Synod.) —
[A memorial was presented, asking the General Assembly to open nego-
tiations with the Reformed Presbyterian Church with a view to union.
The Assembly adopted the following:]
Resolved, 1. That a committee of six be appointed by this Assembly,
to meet with a similar committee to be appointed by the Reformed
Presbyterian Synod at Newburg, if it should see proper to do so, to
meet at such time and place as mutually agreed upon, to confer in re-
gard to the subject of union of these two churches, and report the re-
sult of their deliberations to the next General Assembly. Vol. VI, p.
683, 1887.
[The Committee reported:]
The Committees appointed by the General Assembly of the United
Presbyterian Church and the Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian
REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 25D
Church, after full and frank conference, have agreed upon the following
statement :
1. That the Churches which they represent, as they most firmly be-
lieve, harmonize in the maintenance of the doctrine embodied in the
testimony of each Church, that our Lord Jesus Christ, as Mediator, is
vested with authority over all creatures, and that his revealed will is
supreme and ultimate law for nations, as well as for the Church and
individuals ; and tliat it is the duty of nations to acknowledge their re-
lation of subjection to the Prince of the kings of the earth, and his
authoritative law.
II. The Committees recognize the fact that the Churches which they
respectivelv represent are not in harmony in the application of the
above doctrine of Christ's dominion over the State.
The United Presbyterian Church, on the one hand, leaves it with the
individual conscience to decide wliether the nation does, or does not, so
far comply with the requirements of the word of God as to permit the
followers of Christ consistently to take part in the administration of the
government under the compact of the written Constitution of the United
States.
On the other hand, the Reformed Presbyterian Church regards this
written Constitution as an agreement from which all appeal to the
authority of Christ and his law in national affairs has been excluded,
and as an agreement to administer the government without an appeal to
the law of Christ as being over the Constitution and the nation itself,
and on this ground requires her members not to become parties by any
act to what she believes to be an immoral compact.
Holding, as these Churches do, to these diverging views in the prac-
tical application of accepted truth, it is the judgment of the Committee
that the way to organic unity is is not yet open.
III. Holding to the same great principles of truth, and diftering only
in their application, the joint Committees express the hope that the
closer brotherly co-operation in the Master's work at large, and the
more earnest and united labors of the two churches for the ascendency
of the principles of Christian government, will at length remove what
at present seems to be the great barrier in the way of organic union.
The following resolution was then passed:
Resolved. That while we have not been able to formulate a basis of
agreement to be submitted to our respective Churches, we are assured
that this fraternal conference has been mutually helpful, and that it will
tend toward ultimate union by discovering to us more clearly how fully
■we are in accord in great fundamental principles, and the precise point
at which we diverge in the application of these principles. Vol. VII,
p. 92, 1888. [The report was approved and the Committee discharged,
p. 34. 1888.]
2. Delegate to the S3mod of the Reformed Presbyterian
Church. — Resolved, 2. That a delegate be now ap[)ointed to proceed
forthwith, as soon as the Assembly adjourns, to 'the meeting of that
Synod, and carry our fraternal greetings and submit this action [with
reference to union] to that body. Vol. VII, p. 683, 1887.
260 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
cm. REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES.
Union with the Reformed Presbyterian Churches.— [A me-
morial was presented from a Union Convention held in Pittsburg, Pa.,
asking for steps towards a union of the Reformed Presbyterian Churches.
The Assembly]
Mesolved, That a committee of five be appointed as delegates by this
Assembly to meet in joint council or convention with delegates from the
above named churches, or either of them, for the purpose of forming a
basis of union. Vol. VII, p. 434, 1890.
[The Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Cliurch refused to appoint
a. committee, and no further steps were taken.]
CIV. REPORT OF PRESBYTERIES.
1. Reports of Presbyteries to be Omitted from the Printed
IVEinuteS. — The committee on the ])ublication of the minutes was
ordered by the General Assembly to omit the reports of Presbyteries
from the printed minutes. Vol. II, p. 3'21, 18G6.
2. Blanks to be Furnished Presbyteries for their Annual Re-
ports.— The Clerk of the Assembly was directed to prepare a printed
blank "formula of report on narrative and state of religion," and send
two copies to tlie clerk of each Presbytery, one to be filled and returned
to the Assembly. Vol. II. p. .504, 1868.
The permanent commit tee on Narrative and State of Religion was
instructed to prepare and distribute tlirough the Second Clerk of the
Assembly, blanks for congregational and Presbyterial reports. Vol.
IV, p. 15, 1874.
The permanent committee on Narrative and State of Religion was
directed to prepare an outline for a report, specifying the general
objects on which information is desired, selecting only such as will show
the spiritual condition of the Church, the general drift of religious senti-
ment, and the friendly or opposing influences, to be sent to each Pres-
bytery, a conference to be held on the subject, and a narrative prepared
.and sent to the committee. Vol. V, p. 241, 1880. [Each Permanent
•Committee prepares the blank according to its own judgment, and
■sends the copies direct to the Presbyteries.]
3. Time of Forwarding Reports of Presbyteries.— ^esofoerf, 2.
That it shall be the duty of the Presbyteries to forward to the chairman
-of the committee [on Narrative and State of Religion] their reports on
the state of religion in the Churches under their care, not later than
the first day of May, each year. Vol. Ill, p. 518, 1873.
[This date was ohanged to " not later than the 20th of April." Vol.
IV, p. 16, 1874.
CV. ROMANISM.
Resolved, 1. That the Assembly admonish our people of the actual
danger from this source, and advise tliem to use all legal and honorable
means to prevent the perversion of school funds for the use of any
xjhurch or sect.
2. That our Board of Publication be instructed to keep for sale and
RUI-ES OF ORDER, 2G1
advertise such books as expose the character and tendency of Roman-
ism. Vol. IV, p. 187, 1875.
CVI. ROSEBERG'S APPEAL.
In the case of protest and appeal by Rev. Geo. A. Roseberg against
the decision of the Commission of the First Synod of tlie West in the
Youngstown case, your committee would submit the following report :
We have examined the papers in tiiis case and find that, as in the case
of complaint by Rev. J. W. Logue and others, already decided by this
Assembly, this appeal is premature, and therefore irregular luiving
been taken before the decisions of the Commission were recorded, by
the Synod appointing it. AVe, therefore, recommend that the appeal be
respectfully returned. Vol. VI, p. 422, 1886.
CVII. RULES OF ORDER.
[Rules of Order were adopted, Vol. I, p. 99, 1860 ; amended. Vol. I,
p. 120, 1860 ; amended and printed. Vol. I, p. 440, 1862. These
Rules of Order were superseded by those now in use. Vol. Ill, p. 117,
1870. For Rules of Order see Digest, p. 72.]
Rules of Order Amended.— i?eWverf, That hereafter there be
added to the Standing Committees of the Assembly, a committee on
^Nominations, which shall nominate to the Assembly persons to fill the
vacancies occurring in all the Boards each year. Vol. IV, p. 172, 1875.
[The time for the appointment of the Committee on Narrative and
State of Religion was changed so that it " shall be appointed before each
Assembly rises, that it might report to the next Assembly." Vol. Ill, p.
158, 1870. This action was rescinded and the following was adopted :]
Resolved, 3. That the rule defining the duties of th'e Committee oa
Narrative and State of Religion be so amended as to require said Com-
mittee to report to the General Assembly following its appointment ; and
in order that this report may be made more intelligently, it shall
be the duty of the Presbyteries to forward to the chairman of said com-
mittee their reports on the state of religion in the churches under their
care. \ol. Ill, p. 518, 1873. [It is, however, the custom to appoint
two committees on Narrative and State of Religion, each year; one a
standing committee, to report to the Assembly by which it was
appointed : the other a permanent committee, to report to the Assembly
following its appointment.]
Resolved, 5. That the following be adopted as a standing Rule : All
resolutions offered in the General Assembly, and all propositions com-
ing from others than Boards and Stauding Committees appropriating
money, shall first be referred to the Committee on Finance, to be ex*^
amined, and their judgment reported before final action. Vol. V, d
358, 1881. ^
Resolved, 3. That there be added to the standing committees of the
Assembly a Committee on Appropriations, consisting of one member
from each of the Committees on tiie Boards, and one member from the
Committee on Finance, to which shall be referred all the estimates of the
Boards, and all other claims for money to support the general work of
the Church, and whose duty it shall be to report the appropriations for
262 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
the general work as entrusted to the Boards or to special agencies, and
to recommend proper measures to secure liberal and systematic contri-
butions to the funds and institutions of the Church. Vol. VII, p. 33,
1888.
CVIII. RULING ELDERS.
1. The Term of OflBce of the Ruling- Elder. — [A memorial from
the Presbytery of Cleveland, in relation to the election of elders for a
limited term, was referred to the Judiciary Committee. This committee
j)rese)ited a report, which was adopted. For Resolutions 1, 2, and 3,
see next section.]
Resolved, 4. That it is tiie duty of the Presbyteries to use all proper
means to bring up tiie eldership of the church to tiiat standard of effici-
ency in tlieir work, so imperatively demanded in the position which they
are called to occupy.
5. That the Assenil)ly enjoins Sessions and congregations to abide by
the law of the church in tlie election of elders.
G. Tiiat we heartily rejoice in the evidences, on the part of the elder-
ship of the church, of their increasing devotion to the work. Vol. Ill,
p. 286, 1871.
The memorialists ask the Assembly to order and ordain that congre-
gations may, at their own option, elect elders for a term of three or more
years. This the Assembly has no right to do, without first securing an
alteration of our Book of Government and Discipline. As it does not
ap|)ear that any large number or our ministers and people desire such
alteration, it does not seem expedient to overture the matter to the
Prt^sbyteries.
liesides, the question of electing elders for a limited term of service,
and the mode in which unacceptable and inefficient elders may be retired
from office, were acted on by the Assembly of 1871, and a distinct de-
li vtM-ance given.
We recommend the adoption of the following resolution :
Resolved, That the prayer of the memorialists be not granted, and
that they be referred to the action of the Assembly of 1871, in regard
to tiie election of ruling elders and their removal from office. Vol. V,
p. :)!.'), 1882.
•_>. Resignation of a Ruling Elder. — Resolved, l. That an elder
may resign his charfje in a particular congregation, tiie same as a pastor,
and that when he ceases to exercise his office in the congregation in
■which he is installed, it is his duty to resign ; and that he is not regu-
larly released from his obligations in that congregation till his resignation
be accepted by the Session.
2. That it is the imperative duty of the elder to resign whenever his
influence is so impaired from any cause, that he cannot exercise his office
efficiently in the congregation in which he is installed.
3. That when it is evident tliat an elder has become generally inac-
ceptable and inefficient in a congregation, it is the privilege of that con-
gregation to ask him to resign; and if the end be not thereby accom-
plished, the congregation, in conjunction with the Session, may lay the
matter before the Presbytery for their action. Vol. Ill, p. 286, 1871.
[See also Sec. 1, above.]
RUI-IXG ELDERS. 263
Tlie question submitted in the memorial from tlie Presbytery of
Albany on the resignation of eldf^rs and deacons, is as follows:
"To whom shall the ruling elder or deacon offer his resignation when
desiring to retire from active service ; and wliat constitutional ste{)S are
necessary to complete tlie act?"
Resolved, 1. He shall offer his resignation to the session, which is the
primary court of the elder or deacon.
2. The same steps are to be taken as in the case of the teachinir elder.
Book of Government, Part II, Chap. VI., Art. IV. Vol. V. p. 720,
1883.
3. The Resi^ation of an Elder Void when Improperly Re-
quired by Presbytery. — Under the order of Presbytery an elder
oti'ei-ed his resignation and it was accepted by the session. An 'ap-
pe:tl from the action of tlie Presbytery, taken by otners, was su-<tained
by ihe Synod. The question being raised as to the elder's position in
tiie congregation, the Presbytery declared that he was still a member of
the session. See Dawson's A|)peal, No. 1.
4. A Presbytery May Release an Elder without Petition. —
The Presbytery of Allegheny askeii the Assembly to give a judicial de-
cision as to the method by which the relation between an elder and the
congregation in which he is installed may be dissolved, when his useful-
ness is impaired in some way which does not affect his Christian char-
acter and standing in the Church.
In answer to this the Assembly quoted the action of the Assembly of
1871. [See Sec. 1, above, Resolutions 1, 2 and 3. and added the fol-
lowing :] Therefore,
Resolved, That in addition to the above, in reference to the power of
the Presbytery to release an elder when there is no petition from either
congregation or Session, the Assembly declares that the Presbytery, in
the exercise of its power " to order whatever pertains to the spiritual
welfare and prosperity of the churches under its care," after careful
inipary as to the facts of the case, may release an elder when there is no
such |)etition, if it deems such action to be necessary to the spiritual
welfare of the congregation. Vol. VII, p. 232, 1889.
."). That Presbyteries be earnestly requested to guard against any
undue haste in the organization of new congregations, and to exercise
a more watchful care over the churches, and pi'omptly remove minis-
ters and elders when it is known that congregations are declining be-
cause of their inefficiency. Vol. VII, p. 640, 1891.
•"'. The Training of Ruling Elders. — [The Synod of New York
presented a memorial on the training of ruling ciders. The Assembly
Adopted the following:]
Resolved, 1. That the proper professors in our Theological wSeminaries
be requested to give due attention to the instruction of students in
the nature, duties and responsibilities of the office of the ruling elder.
2. That we recommend each pastor to adopt some plan of systematic
instruction, by which his session may be trained to the highest possible
efficiency in their duties.
3. That we recommend the Faculties of our Seminaries to appoint
■one or more of their number to prepare and put into the hands of the
Board of Publication a manual on tiie eldership, suitable to be used by
pastors in the instruction of their sessions. Vol. V, p. 20, 1879.
264 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
5. That Presbyteries are cautioned against the hasty organization of
congregations until persons qualified for the eldership may be found in
the congregations. Vol. VII, p. 259, 1889.
6. Ruling Elders do Not Lay on Hands in Ordination of Min-
isters.— See Ordination of Ministers.
7. Church Property to be Under the Control of the Session
for Public Worship. — Resolved, 3. That the General Assembly, in
accordance with the decision of the Supreme Court of the United
States, in the case of Watson vs. Jenner, instruct Presbyteries and
congregations that the control and possession of church projierty
belongs only to the members holding to the principles of the United
Presbyterian Church, and that it will require a unanimous vote of the
Session and congregation to sell, dispose of, or alienate said church
property ; it being understood that this action does not prevent congre-
gations from disposing of church property for the purpose of rebuilding,
or the erection of a new building in a new location.
4. That in every church, the trustees shall be in full communion with
the church, and that the use of the church building, for public worship
and all other meetings, shall be under the direction and control of the
Session of the church. Vol. Ill, p. 523, 1873.
CIX. SABBATH.
1. The Desecration of the Sabbath. — Resolved, i. That this
Assembly hereby most earnestly warn our people against participating
in, or giving countenance to, the desecration of the holy Sabbath.
2. That this Assembly recommends that ministers preacl) frequently
on the importance of the proper observance of God's holy day. Vol.
Ill, p. 31, 1869.
[A committee was appointed to prepare an address concerning the
violation of the Sabbath by railroad companies in ihe running of trains,
and to forward a copy of their address to the officers of the railroad
companies. Vol. IV, p. 584, 1878. This committee reported that the
duty assigned had been performed, and on its recommendation, the As-
sembly appointed a committee to co-operate with the International
Sabbath Association in securing the better observance of the Sabbath,
Vol. V, p. 21, 1879. This committee reported, and the Assembly
adopted the following :]
Resolved, 1. That in the signs of an awakening interest and zeal on
the part of professing Christians in behalf of the sanctification of the
Lord's day, the Assembly finds reasons for encouragement, and for
gratitude to tlie Lord of the Sabbath.
2. That the Assembly hereby exhorts all under its care to avoid cur-
rent modes of Sabbath desecration, such as worldly conversation ; social
visiting ; reading of secular newspapers, or of books unsuitable to the
sacredness of the Sabbath ; levity in the Sabbath-school ; neglect of
public worship ; unnecessary travel ; and resorting to the postoifice ta
obtain or deposit mail matter.
3. That sessions are hereby reminded of their duty to exercise disci-
pline firmly, yet discreetly, in vindication of the law of the Sabbath,
and to make diligent efforts to have the rising generation rightly taught
SABBATH. 265
and trained in reference to the sacredness of tlie Lord's day. Vol. V
p. 251, 1880.
[The General Assembly frave order for pastors to preach on this sub-
ject, and appointed a permanent committee to co-operate with the
International Sabbath Association, and to report such measures as they
may deem advisable to promote scriptural Sabbath observance. This
committee reported, and the Assembly adopted the following:]
Resolved, 1. That in view of the prevalence and growth of Sabbath
profanation, the friends of the Sabbath should be doubly watchful lest
they unconsciously lose the sense of its sacredness ; and parents should
be at special pains, both by word and example and the just exercise of
parental authority, to fortify their children against the influences which
surround them adverse to the Sabbath, and to train them to a right
observance of the Lord's day.
2. That pastors be enjoined to instruct their flocks diligently in
reference to the duty, the nature and the privilege of Sabbath observ-
ance, and that Presbyteries be recommended not to overlook, in con-
ferences which they may hold, the importance of the Sabbath question.
3. That while the Gospel is the great instrumentality for securing
obedience to the law of God in all its parts, the importance of civil
legislation, in aflbrding protection against certain forms of immorality,
is not to be denied or disregarded. Vol. V, p. 419, 1881.
Resolved, 1. Tli:it pastors of congregations, and supplies in vacant
congregations, be enjoined to preach on this subject at an early day.
2. That Synods and Presbyteries be requested to hold conferences on
this subject, and take such action as may be thought most proper to
bring this matter before our National and Slate Legislatures, and the
various railroad companies in their respective districts. Vol. VI, p.
423, 1886.
Resolved, 1. That we hereby utter our earnest protest against all
desecration of tlie Lord's Day, by whomsoever and under whatever
pretext, and that v.e earnestly urge upon our people the duty of remem-
bering the Sabbath day to keep it holy, and that they carefully avoid
giving any encouragement to those who profane the day.
2. That pastors be directed to faithfully and frequently instruct their
people with regard to tlie nature, design, and claims of the Sabbath.
Vol. VI, p. 675, 1887.
3. That wliile recognizing the valuable aid of other organizations, we
are convinced that the great instrumentality for the furtherance of Sab-
bath reform is the Churcli of Ciirist; and, therefore, we earnestly urge
that pastors, officers and members see to it that judgment begins at the
house of God ; tlikt first tlirough practice and then through precept the
Church may seek the preservation of the Sabbath. Vol. VII, p. 421,
1890. ^
8. While urging measures to guard the outworks of the defense of the
Christian Sabbatli, we confess before God the worldly-mindedness
manifested in the homes of many professing Christians on the Sabbath
day, and do recommend all our pastors, on or about the first Sabbath of
next October, to preach sermons setting forth the great privilege and
duty of being " in the Spirit on the Lord's Day," and warning against
such things as interfere with its being to all our people a day of spiritual
uplifting. Vol. VII, p. 639, 1891.
2(36 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
2. The Opening of the Centennial Grounds on the Sabbath.
— Whereas, The Commissioners of the Centennijil Exposition liave
wisely resolved to keep the Ex|)0?ition grounds closed on the Lord's
Day, or Christian Sabbath ; and,
Whereas, A determined eflbrt is now being made to have this reso-
lution reversed, and to have the grounds opened to visitors on the Lord's
Day ; and.
Whereas, there is special reason, at this time, for all Christians to
unite their efforts to maintain the sanctity of the Lord's Day ; there-
fore.
Resolved, That this General Assembly, representing the entire United
Presbyterian Church of North America, protest most solemnly against
the opening of the Centeimial grounds on the Lord's Day, and pledge
ourselves and our people to sustain the Commissioners in tlie noble
stand rhey have taken on that subject. Vol. IV, p. 29.). 1876.
o. Closing the Philadelphia Permanent Exhibition on the
Sabbath. — Resoh-ed, Tliat tliis General Assembly iiereby instruct the
moderator and clerk to convey to the managers the thanks of this As-
semblv, for the noble stand thev have taken in the observance of the
Lord's Day. Vol. IV, )>. 456. 1877.
4. The Opening of the Columbian Exposition on the Sabbath.
Resolved, 3. That we instruct our Moderator and Principal Clerk to
petition the Directors of tlie Columbian Exposition, m the name of the
Genei-al Assembly and of tlie entire United Presbyterian Ciiurch, to
keep all the partsof said Exposition closed on tlie Sabbath Day, that we
as a nation may not be guilty of such transgressions of God's holy law
as woidd necessarily attend their being opened, and tliat we may not set
before the nations of the world an example of base ingratitude in return
for His unspeakable goodness to this western world.
4. We urge all our congregations, which iiave not already done so, to
send letters and petitions to the Directors of said Exposition, praying
for the same end.
7. That the Moderator and Clerk of the Assembly be and hereby are
directed to prepare and forward a petition to the next Congress of the
United States, requesting that body, in the name of the Assembly and
of the whole United Presbyterian Church, to enact such legislation as
will prevent the opening of the gates of the Columbian Exposition on
the Sabbath Day. Vol. VII, p. 638, 1891.
5. Sabbath Mails. — See Sections 7 and 8, below.
Resolved, 2. We instruct our Moderator and Principal Clerk to com-
municate, in the name of the General Assembly and the entire United
Presl)yterian Church, with Postmaster General Wanamaker, and assure
him of our hearty approval of the steps he has already taken in reduc-
ing the amount of labor in the United States postal service permitted,
or required, on the Sabbath day ; also of our hearty support in such
additional measures in the same direction as he may be able to adopt.
Vol. VII, p. 638, 1891.
6. Sabbath Papers. — [The proceedings of the General Assembly
which m'it at Topeka were reported by tiie Daily Capital. When it
was understood that there would be a Sabbath issue containing the
proceedings, the Assembly appointed a committee to wait on the pub-
SABBATH. 267
lishers and request that the part of the edition for tlie use of the mem-
bers and for circulation throujih them be dated on either Saturday [on
which tlie work was done] or Monday, and not circulated until Monday.
The publishers complied with the request. Vol. VI, p. 2.30. 188,5.]
Inasmuch as the circulation and readinjr of newspapers issued on the
Sabbath day are alarmingly on the increase, this Assembly deems it
needful to utter its solemn protest against such invasion of the day of
sacred rest under any pretext whatever, and this it does, not so much
because of the Sabbath labor involved in their issue, as because of the
wliolesale desecration of the Sabbath involved in their circulation and
general perusal. Vol. VII, p. 24, 1888.
Resolved, 5. We renew our protest against the "Sunday paper" as a
secuhirizing and demoralizing agency in every home which it enters ;
as an agency also which employs a vast amount of unnecessary Sabbath
labor, and especially because it employs a vast army of 50,000 news-
boys, training tiiem to become transgressors of law and to disturb the
order and quiet of Christian homes and worshipinor assemblies. Vol
VII, p. 638, 1891.
7. Co-operation with Other Bodies for Sabbath Observance.
— [The General Assembly appointed a committee to co-operate, in all
proper ways, with the International Sabbath Association in securing the
better observance of the Sabbath. Vol. V, p. 21, 1879. The Assembly
following appointed a committee of hve to co-operate with the Associa-
tion, especially in securing the abolition of the international postal ser-
vice. Vol. V, p. 251, 1880. The Southern Presbyterian General As-
sembly asked co-operation in petitioning for the abolition of Sabbath
mails, and the Assembly]
Resolved, That this Assembly is ready to co-operate with other
churciies, in every proper way, to secure the enforcement of legislation
for tiie protection of Christian citizens in the enjoyment of their rights
on the Lord's day. Vol. V, p. 536, 1882. The Assembly resolved to
"take measures to secure the co-operation of other denominations in re-
monstrating with the civil authorities against the transmission of the
mails on the Sabbath and other forms of Sabbath desecration." Vol. V,
p. 798, 1883.
The Assembly directed " the Moderator and Principal Clerk to ad-
dress sister churches, in the nnme of tiie Assembly, so as to secure their
co-operation in this matter," and appointed " a permanent committee to
take tliis matter in charge." Vol. VI, p. 423, 1886.
This permanent committee was directed "to co-operate with the com-
mittee on Sabbath observance from the Presbyterian Church in Canada,
and all similar committees which may be appointed by other denomina-
tions in this country and Canada." Vol. VI, p. 675,' 1887.
Resolved, 1. That we will join with our brethren of the Evangelical
Churches in making up the National Sabbath Committee. Volfvil,
p. 36, 1888. [See Sec. 9. below.]
8. Petitions Against Sabbath Desecration.— [Tiie General As-
sembly expressed itself in favor of petitioning Congress for the abolition
of the international Sabbath postal service, approved the form of pe-
tition prepared by the International Sabbath Association, and directed
the Principal Clerk to procure a sufficient number of copies to supply
268 DIGKST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
our congrejrations, and distribute them through the Clerks of Presby-
teries. Sessions were directed to see that these petitions were signed
and duly forwarded. Vol. V, p. 419, 1881.]
Resolved, 2. That pastors and sessions be urged to bring this subject
frequently before their congregations, and take immediate steps to cir-
culate petitions and obtain signatures against Sabbatli mails, and for-
ward the same to the proper authorities- Vol. V, p. 536, 1882.
[The Moderator and Principal Clerk were directed to sign a petition
to Congress for the suppression of Sabbath trains, mails and parades.
Vol. VI, p. 236, 1885.]
4. That the Moderator and Clerk be directed to sign in behalf of the
Assembly, the petition requesting Congress to pass a law instructing the
Postmaster General to make no futuie contracts which shall include the
carriage of the mails on tlie Lord's Dny. Vol. VI, p. 675, 1887.
9. The National Sabbath Association — [The General Assembly
received a communication from the General Conference of the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church, proposing the formation of a National Sabbath
Committee, on the basis of one member of the committee for every one
hundred thousand, or major portion thereof, in the membership of the
denominations taking part. The General Assembly, ''heartily ap-
proving of the object in view," appointed a representative to the com-
mittee. Vol. VI i, p. 35, 1888.]
[The representative reported, that at a meetinjr held in Washington,
D. C, a permanent organization had been formed under the name of
"The National Sabbath Association," and that the Association re-
quested the appointment of five persons to represent our Church in its
work. The Assembly adopted the following :]
Resolved, 2. That we hail with thankfullness and delight the
auspicious beginning of this good work of restoring the Sabbath to its
proper place in the affections and lives of the people of our land, and
will hope and pray that, by the continued efforts of this Association and
the co-operation of all of Christ's followers in our country, the time may
soon come when the rulers and people of this great nation will " remem-
ber the Sabbath day and keep it holy."
3. That we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Sabbath As-
sociation over the good they have already accomplished, and express our
earnest desire and hope that the speedy outcome of their work may be
equal to the promise of the beginning.
4. That in response to the request of the Association, the Committee
on Nominations be directed to present the names of five persons to con-
stitute a committee to co-operate with the Association in carrying on its
good work. Vol. VII, pp. 226, 295, 1889.
[The National Association became " The American Sabbath Union,"
and was represented in the Assembly by a delegate.]
Resolved, That tl;is General Assembly has heard with great interest
the address and appeal of the Rev. Talbot AV. Chambers, D. D., on be-
half of the American Sabbath Union, and most earnestly do we urge
the people throughout all our bounds and in all our Churches to faith-
fully hold fast to the Lord's day as the holy Sabbath, and strive to keep
it in all its letter and spirit. Most cordially also does the Assembly
commend the above society to the confidence of our people in its efforts
to promote the sanctification of the holy day. Vol. VII, p. 418, 1890.
SABBATH SCHOOLS. 269
2. That we hereby express our gratitude to God, whose Spirit is evi-
dently arousing his people to combine for the preservation of the Sab-
bath; also, our appreciation of the work of the American Sabbath
Union and like organizations in the several States, and we recommend
that a committee of five be appointed to represent our Church in this
union during the coming year. Vol. VII, p. 421, 1890.
ex. SABBATH SCHOOLS.
1. Sabbath School Statistics — The General Assembly directed
the Presbyteries to report the statistics of the Sabbath-schools in their
bounds, and gave instructions as to the items to be reported and the
preparation and distribution of blanks. Vol. 1, ]>. 485, 1863. The
Clerk of the Assembly was directed to prepare blanks for these statistics
and furnish them to the clerks of Presbyteries. Vol. II, p. 34, 1864.
Resolved, 7. In order to secure more prominent attention to this vast
and vital interest of the church, your committee further recommend, if
found practicable, that the statistical tabular sheet be so altered as to
devote five columns to the Sabbath school instead of two, these columns
to be filled upas follows: 1. Number of schools. 2. Number of officers
and teachers. 3. Number of scholars. 4. Number of books in library.
5. Amount collected. Vol. II, p. 500, 1869. [It was not found prac-
ticable to report the number of books in the library satisfactorily.]
•2. In order that a full and satisfactory report may be made to each
Assembly, we would suggest that the Assembly authorize the perma-
nent committee to procure blanks to be sent to all pastors and superin-
tendents, to be by them filled and returned to the permanent committee
on or before the first of April each year. Vol. IV, p. 355, 1876.
1. That the matter of gathering statistics of Sabbath school work be
referred to the Second Clerk of the General Assembly. Vol. VI, p.
243, 1885. ^
[A column, "months open," was inserted in the table. By order of
the Assembly it is discontinued. Vol. VII, p. 637, 1891.]
2. A Standing- Committee on Sabbath ^ohools,.— Resolved, That
it shall be the duty of the moderator of the General Assembly annually
to nominate for adoption a standing committee of five persons on the
subject of Sabbath-schools. Vol. II, p. 408, 1867.
3. A Permanent Committee on Sabbath Schools and its
Duties. — Resolved, 5. That a standing committee of five members be
appointed, to report to the next Assembly. Vol. Ill, p. 146, 1870.
Resolved, That a permanent committee of five members be appointed
* * * whose duty it shall be to collect information in regard to the
condition of Sabbath-schools throughout the church. This committee
shall also inaugurate measures for the advancement of the interests of
this work, such as suggesting to Presbyteries and Synods the propriety
of holding Sabbath-school conventions, at which the claims of the object
shall be presented and discussed; and to this committee all correspond-
ence in relation to this cause by those engaged, or in any way interested
therein, shall be addressed, said committee to report to the Assembly of
1872. Vol. Ill, p. 285, 1871.
Resolved, 5. That it shall be the duty of the permanent committee on
270 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Sabbath-schools to prepare or procure the preparation of suitable notes
for the teachers and lesson papers for tlie scholars, and that they be di-
rected to publish them in such periodical or periodicals of the church as
may be willing to admit them, or as the committee may deem best
adapted to the purpose. Vol. IV, p. 43, 1874.
Resolved, 3. That the Permanent Committee on Sabbath Schools
hereafter consist of nine members, three to serve for one year, three for
two years, and three for tlnre years, and three to be appointed each suc-
ceeding year to serve for three years. Vol. V, p. 35, 1879.
[On tiie re-organization of the Board of Puiilication the Permanent
Committee on Sabbat li Schools was dissolved, and made a part of the
Board. Vol. V, p. 7!)7, 1883.]
4. Members of Session to Labor in the Sabbath School, and
in Their Official Capacity to have the Supervision over it. — Re-
solved, 3. Tliat as the ciiildren of tiie Sabbath School constitute a most
important part of the chuicii, and should therefore be under the special
care ol its overseers, we deem it in the highest degree essential that,
whenever practicable, the members of Sessions should be laborers in the
Sabbath School, and in their official capacity maintain such a faithful
and wholesome supervision over it, that it cannot fail to become a
powerful auxiliary in building up the cause of the Redeemer. Vol. II,
p. 499, 18G8.
Resolved, A. That it is the duty of the Session, to whom is intrusted
the oversight of tiie congregation, to give special attention to the Sab-
bath School, and, in their otlicial capacity, exercise a supervision over it,
which will tend to its purity and efficiency. Vol. Ill, p. 33, 1869.
Resolved, ."), That the eldership of the church should identify itself
closely with the Sabbath School, and take part in carrying it on. Vol.
Ill, p. 250, 1871.
Resolved, 1. That pastoi-s and Sessions having, according to the
Directory for Worship, the special oversight and control of the Sabbath
School, should in every case be deeply interested in its work and wel-
fare, and should use every means in their power to secure, if possible,
the attendance of all the children of the school upon the regular services
of public worship in the congregation. Vol. Ill, p. 580, 1873.
Resolved, 2. That pastors and elders be urged to devote themselves
more largely to this department of Christian Work. Vol. V, p. 716,
1883.
5. Presbyteries and Synods to give Attention to Sabbath
School Work. — Resolved, 4. That the Presbyteries of our church be
and hereby are recommended to give increased attention to the Sabbath
School work ; to secure more complete statistical reports of Sabbath
School operations; and, when practicable, hold occasional conferences
on the subject, by whit-h means we may hope to awaken an increased
interest, and bring every available energy into operation, so that tiiis
garden of the Lord may be zealously and perseveringly cultured, and
become the nursery of the church. Vol. II, p. 500, 1868.
Resolved, 9. That the Presbyteries and Synods of our church interest
themselves more in the growth and guidance of Sabbath Schools,
whether in settled congregations or mission districts. Vol. Ill, p. 256,
1871.
SABBATH SCHOOLS. 271
6. That it be recommended to the several Synods of tlie church lo
appoint committees to correspond and consult with this committee <>t
the General Assembly. Vol. Ill, p. 146, 1870.
9. That each Synod under the care of this Assembly be directed to
spend at least one session each year in conference on this subject.
Vol. IV, p. 168, 1875.
Resolved, 1. That Presbyteries be recommended to hold at least one
Sabbath-school convention each year, for the purpose of creating a
deeper interest in this important work to help and encourage those who
are engaged in it. Let the action of said Presbyterial conventions be
reported to the jiermanent committee. Vol. IV, p. 3C5. 1876.
Resolved, 2. That Presbyteries be recommended to hold conventions
in the interest of Sabbath-schools, at least once a year, and that they
appoint some efficient Sabbath-school worker, whose duty it shall be to
call such conventions, make all arrangements res})ecting them, and re-
port results to the permanent committee. Vol. IV, p. 440, 1877.
Resolved, 9. That the office of Presbyterial superintendent of Sabbath-
schools be continued, that Presbyterial conventions be held under the
direction of the superintendents, and that the permanent committee be
directed to call a convention of Presbyterial superintendents, at such
time and place as may seem best, to be under the general direction of
said committee. Vol. IV, p. 579, 1878.
3. That Piesbyteiies be recommended to hold Presbyterial Sabbath-
school Institutes, in which normal instruction and thorough training in
practical Sabbath-school work shall be given by competent instructors.
Vol. VII, p. 230, 1889.
6. Presbyterial Superintendents of Sabbath-schools and their
Duties. — Resolved, 2. That Presbyteries be recommended to hold con-
ventions in the interests of Sabbath-schools, at least once a year, and
that they appoint some efficient Sabbatli-school worker whose duty it
shall be to call such conventions, make all arrangements respecting
them, and report results to the permanent committee. Vol. IV, p. 440,
1877.
Resolved, 9. That the office of Presbyterial superintendent of Sab-
bath schools be continued, that Presbyterial conventions be held under
the direction of the superintendents, and tiiat the permanent committee
be directed to call a convention of Presbyterial superintendents, at such
time and place as may seem best, to be under the general direction of
said committee. Vol. IV, p. 579, 1878.
3. That the Presbyterial superintendents hereafter be appointed, as
the Financial Agents and superintendents of Missions now are, upon
nomination by the Presbyteries and election by the Assembly. Vol.
V, p. 187, 1880.
4. That Presbyterial superintendents 1 e appointed as continuously
as possible. Vol. V, p. 716, 1883.
6. That it shall hereafter be a duty of Presbyterial Sabbath-school
superintendents to gather a summary of the rej)orts of all the schools
under their supervision for presentation to the Permanent Committee.
Vol. V, p. 187, 1880.
6. That Presbyterial superintendents give all aid in their power to
advance the cause of Sabbath-schools, and to this end co-operate with
272 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
the Committee on Sabbatli-schools of the Board of Pablication in their
published monthly reports. Vol. VI, p. 39, 1884.
1. That Presbyterial superintendents of Sabbath-schools be directed
to use all reasonable effort to have Teachers' Preparation Meetings
held weekly in all tlie Sabbath-schools of their respective Presbyteries,
and to encourage tiie forming of Normal Classes for the training of
teachers. Vol. VI, p. 439, 1886.
4. That Presbyterial superintendents be required hereafter to annually
report the condition of all the schools under their supervision to their
respective Presbyteries, as well as to the Permanent Committee on
Sabbath-schools, using the Committee's blanks for this purpose ; and
that each Presbytery be directed to inquire into the superintendent's
diligence in this matter. Vol. VII, p. 32, 1888.
2. That Presbyteries be directed to exercise great care in the selec-
tion of Presbyterial Sabbath-school superintendents, who will faithfully
perform the duties of their office and regularly and fully report to the
Sabbath-school Committee of the Board of Publication, the work of the
schools under their care, and that the General Assembly refuse to con-
firm the nomination of any man as Presbyterial Sabbath-school Super-
intendent who has failed to render such report for two consecutive years.
Vol. VII, p. 230, 1889.
6. As the highest possible degree of efficiency is important on the
part of the teacher, we urge upon superintendents and teachers the
value of teachers' meetings for study of the lesson ; also upon the Pres-
byterial Sabbath-school superintendents to hold one or more conven-
tion or institute in each Presbytery during the year. Vol. VII, j). 415,
1890.
5. Teachers in the Sabbath School to be Members of the
Church. — Resolved^ 4. That the teachers should be members of the
church, and well known for their piety. Vol. Ill, p. 256, 1871.
6. Teachers' Meetings. — Resolved, 3. That it is the duty of super-
intendents and teachers to hold monthly, or more frequent meetings, for
conference and prayer. Vol. Ill, ]>. 146, 1870.
1. That Presbyterial superintendents of Sabbath-schools be directed
to use all reasonable effort to have Teachers' Preparation meetings held
weekly in all tlie Sabljath Schools of their respective Presbyteries.
Vol. VI, p. 439, 188G.
6. As the highest possible degree of efficiency is important on the
part of the teacher, we urge upon superintendents and teachers the value
of teachers' meetings for study of tiie lesson. Vol. VII, p. 415, 1890.
3. We recommend the regular meeting at least once each month of
officers and teachers for prayer and conference concerning their schools.
Vol. VII, p. 654, 1891.
7. Adult Classes in the Sabbath School.— Resolved, 4. That we
earnestly recommend the forming of classes composed of adult members
and adherents of the church, believing that the Sabbath-school, accord-
ing to the best idea, is an institution for the scriptural instruction both
of the young and old, and that the adoption of this plan would over-
come, in a great measure, the difficulty of retaining young men and
women in the schools, inasmuch as they would then be encouraged to
continue their attendance by the example of their parents and of other
persons older than themselves. Vol. Ill, p. 391, 1872. •
SABBATH SCHOOLS, 273
Resolved, 1. That tlie adult members of the church be urged to em-
■farace the opportunity for Bible study afforded by the Sabbath-school,
and thus not only obtain for themselves a better acquaintance with the
•Scriptures, but by their presence there remove one of the greatest hin-
drances to the attendance and retention of the children and youth in
our Sabbath schools. Vol. IV, p. 579, 1878.
8. Normal Glasses. — Resolved, l. That in all cases in which it is
possible, pastors or Sessious be directed to establish classes in their con-
gregations for the training of teachers ; that, along with the Bible, the
Shorter Catechism be used as the basis of systematic doctrinal instruc-
tion in these classes, and that special lessons be given in the art of
teaching. Vol. IV, p. 43, 1874.
2. That pastors and superintendents be urged to establish normal
classes for the special training of teachers, so that our standard of teach-
ing may be raised higher. Vol. V, p. 35, 1879. [This was re-affirmed.
Vol. V, p. 187, 1880'.]
That it be recommended to pastors and Sessions throughout the
church that, in every congregation where it is practicable, Teachers'
meetings be organized for the study of the lesson, and that arrangements
be made for the formation of normal classes, and that the progress of
the work be reported to the Permanent Committee before the next
meeting of the Assembly. Vol. V, p. 3G1, 1881.
4. In view of tlie great need of the highest possible degree of effi-
-ciency in Sabbath-school instruction, we again urge upon pastoi-s and
Sessions to use every suitable effort to organize in their respective con-
gregations normal classes for the training of Sabbath-school teachers.
Vol. V, p. 539, 1882.
3. That a further and more persistent effort be made to secure normal
class study and teachers' meetings for the study of the lesson. Vol. V,
p. 71G, 1883.
1. That Presbyterial superintendents of Sabbath-schools be directed
to use all reasonable effort to encourage the forming of normal classes
for the training of teachers. Vol. VI, p. 439, 1886.
[The Permanent Committee was authorized to prepare a manual for
general use in normal classes. Vol. V, p. 187, 1880. The manual was
prepared and published by tiie Board of Publication. Vol. V, p. 360,
1881.]
9. The Bible to be Used as a Text-book in the Sabbath School.
— Resolved, 3. That our Sabbath-schools be urged to use the Bible as
the class text-book, making the lesson leaves and other helps sub-
ordinate to the Bible.
4. That the superintendents of Sabbath-schools be urged to en-
courage each scholar to possess a Bible, and where necessary furnish
Bibles to the scholars. Vol. VI, p. 38, 1884.
9. That in the Sabbath-school we urge the use of the Bible, instead
of the lesson leaves, on the part of both teacher and pupil. Vol. VII,
p. 415, 1890.
10. The Shorter Catechism to be Studied in the Sabbath
iSchool. — Resolved, 3. That the Shorter Catechism should be carefully
studied in all our schools, and that greater attention should be paid to
the exercise of singing. Vol. Ill, p. 256, 1871.
18
274 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Resolved, 5. That while the Bible is the great text-book, the cate-
chisms, especially the Shorter and Brown's, should be taught in the
Sabbath-schools. Vol. Ill, p. 580, 1873.
Resolved, 4. That in addition to these [uniform] lessons, we earnestly
urge and recommend the study of the catechisms of the church in all
our schools, and further, that the Bible be read as a regular exercise in
all the classes. Vol. IV, p. 167, 1875.
Resolved, 5. That the persons selected to prepare the lessons be also
directed to prepare lessons on the catechism and doctrines of the
church, to be taught in connection with the International Lessons.
Vol. IV, p. 579, 1878.
4. We recommend that, as far as possible, the Shorter Catechism be
taught in every class iu the Sabbatli-school. Vol. VII, p. 654, 1891.
11. Uniforin Lessons for Sabbath Schools Recommended. —
Resolved, 4. That all the improved methods of teaching by means of
" blackboard exercises," " object lessons," " uniform lessons," &c., be
recommended to the teachers, with the suggestion that care be taken
to adapt these matters to the situations in which it is proposed to em-
ploy them. Vol. Ill, p. 140, 187U.
Resolved, 2. That the Bible is the great text-book, and that the plan
of uniform lessons for the whole school, with review, be recommended
to the favorable consideration of the Sabbath-schools throughout the
church. Vol. Ill, p. 25G, 1871.
Reselved, 3. That all our people are earnestly urged to use the Inter-
national Uniform Lesson Series, and to employ the papers published by
the Assembly's committee. Vol. IV, p. 167, 1875.
12. Notes and Lesson Papers for the Sabbath School. —
Resolved, 5. Tliat it shall be the duty of the permanent committee on
Sabbath-schools to prepare or procure the preparation of suitable notes
for the teachers and lesson papers for the scholars, and that they be di-
rected to publish them in such periodical or periodicals of the church as
may be willing to admit them, or as the committee may deem best
adapted to the purpose. Vol. IV, p. 43, 1874.
[The lesson papers and notes were prepared under the direction of
the Permanent Committee until it was consolidated with the Board of
Publication in 1883.]
13. Preaching to Sabbath School Scholars. — Resolved, 10. That
the Assembly direct the attention of pastors to the importance of preach-
ing the gospel to the children, and of urging upon parents the duty of
more faithful religious training in the family. Vol. Ill, p. 256, 1871.
Resolved^ 2, That pastors should study to adapt their sermons speci-
ally to the young, thus obeying Chrisrs injunction, " feed my lambs."
Vol. Ill, p. 580, 1873.
Resolved, 2. That as the preaching of the gospel is the great instru-
mentality for the conversion of children, as well as older persons, pas-
tors, elders, teachers, and especially parents, should sec to it that the
children of the Sabbath School attend upon the regular services of the
church ; and in all cases where parents neglect to take their children
with them to church, they should be admonished in regard to their duty
in this matter, by those who have the spiritual oversight of them and
their children. Vol. IV, p. 43, 1874.
SABBATH SCHOOLS. 275
14. Books and Papers for the Sabbath-School. — Resolved, 5.
That as many of tlie books and papers now in use in our Sabbath
Schools are calculated to engender a distaste for the word of God, we
earnestly recommend to superintendents and teachers the greatest care
in the selection of Sabbath-school literature, and the use, as far as
practicable, of the publications of our own church. Vol. II, p. 500,
1868.
Resolved, 5. That as solemn responsibilities are connected with the
religious education of the young, we earnestly recommend pastors, sup-
erintendents and teachers to exercise great care in the selection of
libraries and Sabbath-school papers. Vol. Ill, p. 33, 1869.
Resolved, 2. That as the object of the schools is to impart religious
instruction and train the children in the love of Christ and his church,
particular care should be exercised in regard to the management and
the supply of books and literature. Vol. Ill, p. 146, 1870.
Resolved, 6. That libraries for the scliools should be selected with the
utmost care, or entirely dispensed with. Vol. Ill, p. 580, 1873.
Resolved, 3. That tiie attention of our ministers and intelligent lay-
men be directed to tiie importance of preparing and publishing suitable
books for the Sabbath-school library, and that when any minister or
member has become acquainted with a good Sabbath-school book he be
requested to forward the title of it to the Board of Publication, that it
may be more fully examined, and if approved, placed upon the lists of
the publications kept by the Board for the use. of the schools ; and also
that the Board be directed to publish, from time to time, a descriptive
list of the books they have selected, and send a copy of said list to each
pastor in the church. Vol. IV, p. 43, 1874.
Resolved, 3. That when libraries are used, and we recommend them
in missionary schools especially, the most careful attention be given to
the selection of the books distributed. Vol. IV, p. 579, 1878.
[In 1880 the Board of Publication purchased the Youth's Evangelist
and the Rible Teacher from private publishers and assumed the supply
of the Sabbath-schools with all needful helps.]
Resolved, 5. That we recommend to the patronage of our schools the
Sabbath-school publications of our own Church, and express our gratifi-
cation on account of the general support which has been given them.
Vol. VI, p. 439, 1886.
5. That our Pastors, Sessions and Sabbath-school workers, be urged
to use our own Sabbath literature in preference to a.l other. Vol. VII,
p. 224, 1889.
15. Congregations to Provide Funds for Maintaining Sabbath
Schools. — Resolved, 6. That our congregations should provide tlie funds
needful for maintaining the schools. Vol. Ill, p. 256, 1871.
Resolved, 2. That the schools be recommended to look to the general
funds of the congregation for their current expenses. Vol. IV, p. 579,
1878.
5. That in our judgment the expense of maintaining our schools
should, in all ordinary cases, be borne by the congregation, so that the
full contributions of the schools may be directed to missionary objects.
Vol. VII, p. 230, 1889.
5. It is our judgment that the expense of maintaining the school
276 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
should be borne by the congregation, so that the full contribution of the
school may be devoted to mission work. Vol. VII, p. 415, 1890.
IG. Sabbath Schools to be Kept Open During the Entire
Year. — Resolved, 7. That every effort should be made to keep the
schools open for as large a portion of the year as possible. Vol. Ill,
p. 256, 1871.
Resolved, 5. That in order that all children may receive full benefit
of the system of lessons, it is of great importance that Sabbath-schools
be kept open for the whole year. Vol. IV, p. 168, 1875.
2. Those Sessions who have not already done so are urged to make a
fair and faithful trial of the very desirable plan of continuing throughout
the entire year the Sabbath-schools under their care. Vol. V, p. 539,
1882.
17. Mission Sabbath Schools. — Resolved, 5. That we earnestly
recommend the establishing and fostering of Sabbath-schools in all our
new mission stations, and that we call the attention of our missionaries
and superintendents of missions to this matter. Vol. Ill, p. 392, 1872.
Resolved, 4. That the Sabbath-school should be made more aggressive
in its work, and that its special mission is to gather in and instruct those
■who have no religious training and no one to care for their souls. Vol.
III, p. 580, 1873.
Resolved, 4. That every Sabbath-school should be missionary in its
character. All connected witii it should be engaged in efforts to bring
in neglected children. Vol. IV, p. 43, 1874.
6. We recommend to pastors and Sessions, where practicable and ex-
pedient, the organization of mission schools in their immediate locality,
for the better evangelizing the field, and for the growth in knowledge
and grace of their members, these schools to be under the control of the
Session. Vol. VII, p. 654, 1891.
18. Contributions of Sabbath Schools. — Resolved, 6. That the
Sabbath-school children througliout, tiie church be requested to contri-
bute to the support of one or more new missionaries in the foreign field.
Vol. Ill, p. 33, 1869.
Resolved, 8. That scholars should be encouraged to contribute weekly
for missionary and benevolent purposes, other than the wants of their
own school. Vol. Ill, p. 256, 1871.
Resolved, 3. That the permanent committee be instructed to specify,
through the papers of the church, near the beginning of each quarter of
the year, some object or objects to which they would recommend our
Sabbath-schools to appropriate their contributions, and that any who
desire to obtain Sabbath-school contributions for any particular object
be requested to lay its claims before said committee, so that if they deem
the object one of the most worthy and proper they may recommend it
to the schools. Vol. Ill, p. 391, 1872.
7. That contributions should be made in all the schools weekly.
Vol. Ill, p. 544, 1873.
4. That * * * an opportunity should be afforded the scholars at
every session to contribute their substance for missionary work. Vol.
IV, p. 43, 1874.
2. That the schools be recommended to apply all their contributions
to general missionary and benevolent purposes, as best calculated to cul-
SABBATH SCHOOLS. 277
tivate unselfish liberality on the part of the youtli. Vol. IV, p. 579,
1878.
4. That all our Sabbath-schools be requested to contribute to four
special missionary objects during the year, beginning July 1, 1886, said
special objects for each quarter of the year to be designated by the
Boards of Home Missions, Churcli I^xtension, Freedmen's Missions,
and Foreign Missions, in the order named. Such contributions shall be
forwarded at the close of each quarter to the Financial Agents of the
respective Presbyteries. Vol. VI, p. 439, 1886.
4. That the plan of presenting some specific object — which has been
so successful as a means of developing the liberality of our scholars dur-
ing the past year — be continued; and that the Boards of Foreign Mis-
sions, Home Missions, Church Extension and Freedmen's Missions, in
the order named, designate a special object to which Sabbath-schools
shall contribute for the quarter. Vol. VII, p. 230, 1889.
4. That the Secretaries of each of the Boards to whicli contributions
are set apart be requested to designate some special object for the con-
tributions, and to send out information respecting the same that the in-
terest of the scholars may be increased. Vol. VII, p. 415, 189U.
8. That the contributions of the schools during the year be appropri-
ated quarterly, as heretofore, to the following Boards, and in the follow-
ing order: 1st quarter, Foreign Missions; 2d quarter, Home Missions;
3d quartei-, Church Extension; 4th quarter, Freedmen's Missions.
Vol. VII, p. Go4, 1891.
9. Resolved, That the contributions of that day f Missionary Day] be
given to the four Mission Boards. Vol. VII, p. 654, 1891.
19. Missionary Day in the Sabbath Schools. — Resolved, 3.
That the last Sabbath of June, 1886, be appointed a Missionary Day in
all our Sabbath Schools, with the recommendation that special services
be held in the interest of missions. And inasmuch as we have learned
that provision has been made already for the purchase of a new boat
for the use of our missionaries on the river Nile, that special contribu-
tions be made on that day for the payment of the expense of repairing
the boat Ibis, all money contributed in excess of tiie amount necessary
for this purpose to be divided equally between the Training Schools in
our missions in Egypt and India. Vol. VI, p. 439, 1886. [A like ap-
pointment of the last Sabbath of June as missionary day was made by
the successive Assembles. Vol. VII, p. 670, 1887; Vol. VII, p. 32,
1888 ; p. 280, 1889 ; p. 415, 1890 ; p. 654, 1891.]
20. Day of Prayer for Sabbath Schools. — Resolved, 7. That the
third Sabbath of October be observed as a day of special prayer for
Sabbath-schools and for the preaching of sermons to the children, and
that pastors and sessions be urged to hold special services on that day
in the interest of this important department of the Master's work.
Vol. VI, p. 439, 1886. [A like appointment of the third Sabbath of
October, as a Day of Prayer for Sabbath Schools, was made by each
successive Assem'blv. Vol. VI, p. 670, 1887 ; Vol. VII, p. 32, 1888 ;
p. 230, 1889; p. 415, 1890; p. 654, 1891.]
21. A Weekly Sabbath School Paper. [Tiie permanent com-
mittee was instructed to consider the feasibility of publishing a weekly
Sabbath-school paper and to take measures towards it, if the way seems
278 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
clear. Vol. IV, p. 168, 1875. On tlie recommendation of the per-
manent committee, a committee was appointed to report on the practica-
bility of establishing such a paper. Vol. IV, p. 440, 1877. This
committee reported, and the Assembly resolved that it was inexpedi-
ent to undertake the woik, believing that it could be more successfully
conducted as a private enterprise. Vol. IV, j). o79, 1878.] Subse-
quently, the Board of Publication was authorized to purchase the
periodicals of certain publishers. Vol. V, p. 197, 1880.
23. Music for Sabbath Schools.— See Bible Songs.
CXI. SALARIES.
1. Salaries of Officers of the Assembly, Corresponding Sec-
retaries, &C. — [A committee of Hve was appointed to take into con-
sideration the whole subject of salaries of officers of the Assembly, sec-
retaries, treasurers of the various Boards, and adjust the same on an
equitaljle basis, and report to the next Assembly. Vol. IV, p. 456,
1877. This committee reported, when the following substitute was
adopted :]
We recommend that officers be paid as follows : Corresponding Sec-
retaries of tlie Boards — of Home Missions, $800 ; of Church Entension,
$000; of Foreign Missions, $500; of Freedmen's Missions, $200; of
Education, $150. Treasurers of the Boards — of Foreign Missions, $300;
of Church Extension, S75. Officers of the Assembly — principal clerk,
$75 ; second clerk, $200 ; assi*stant clei'k, $25. Also that all other
officers whose services are before us be jiaid their expenses in addition
to our high appreciation and cordial thanks. Vol. IV, p. 587, 1878.
[The Presbytery of AVestmoreland asked the Assembly to abolish
the salaries of officers, etc., fixed in 1878; the Assembly refused to
take any action. Vol. V, p. 194. 1880.]
2. Pajnnent of Salaries of Officers of the Assembly, &c.— [The
General Assembly gavti order tiiat tiie salaries of the officers of the
General Assembly, the secretaries and treasurers of the various Boards,
be paid out of the General Assembly's Furd, on the order of the Prin-
cipal Clerk. Vol. IV, p. 456, 1877. This action was rescinded, Vol.
IV, p. 5b9, 1878. Witiiout furtiier action tlie salaries of the officers of
the Assembly are paid out ot the General Assembly's fnnd, and the
salaries of tlie Secretaries and Treasurers of the Boards are paid out of
the funds of their respective Boards.]
3. Salary of the Clerks of the Assembly. — See Clerks.
4. Salary of Foreign Missionaries. — See Foreign Missions,
Board of.
5. Salary of Home Missionaries. — See Home Missions, Board of.
6. Salary of the Corresponding Secretary of the Board of
Church Extension. — The salary of the Corresponding Secretary of
tlie Board of Church Extension was first fixed at $200 per annum, and
then, on reconsideration, was made $300. Vol. Ill, 159, 1870. It
was increased to the sum of $500, Vol. Ill, p. 391, 1872 ; to $600, Vol.-
IV, p. 587, 1878; to $800, Vol. VI, p. 233,1885; to $1,200, Vol.
VII, p. 213, 1889.
7. Salary of the Corresponding Secretary of the Board of
SALARIES. 279
Education. — The salary of the Secretary of tlie Board of Education
was "raised to $300." Vol. Ill, p. 418, 1872 ; it was fixed at SloO
per anmim. Vol. IV, p. 587, 1878.
8. Salary of the Corresponding Secretary of the Board of
Foreign Missions. — Tlie salary ot the Corresponding Secretary of the
Board of Foreign Missions was at tirst $60 per annum. Vol. I, p. 121,
18G0 ; it was increased to $500. Vol. II, p. 157, 1865 ; it was
changed to $300. Vol. II, p. 320, 1866; and was made $500. Vol.
Ill, p. 407, 1872.
9. Salary of the Corresponding Secretary of the Board of
Missions to the Freedmen. — Tlie Secretary of the Board of Kreed-
men's Missions was autliorized to draw on the treasurer of the Board'
for " $500, for services rendered." Vol. II, p. 162, 1865. The salary
was fixed at $300. Vol. II, p. 320, 1866. At the request of the
Secretary it was reduced to $200 per annum. Vol. IV, p. 316, 1876 ;
in the re-adjustment of salaries, it was continued at $200 per annum.
Vol. IV, p. 587, 1878. It was raised to $300. Vol. VII, p. 637,
1891.
10. Salary of the Corresponding Secretary of the Board of
Home Missions. — An order was given in behalf of the clerk of the
committee of Home Missions for '-$30 for services of the year." Vol.
II, p. 60, 1859. An annual salary of $60 was given. Vol. I, p. 121,
1860 ; this was increased to $500. Vol. II, p. 177, 1865 ; was
ch-aniied to 300. Vol. II, p. 320, 1866 ; was restored to $500. Vol.
II, p. 410, 1867; was raised to S800. Vol. IV, p. 339, 1876; in the
re-adjustment of salaries was continued at $800. Vol. IV, p. 587,
1878 ; was raised to $1,800 and expenses on condition of giving whole
time to the work. Vol. VI, p. 468, 1886; to $2,500. Vol. VII, p.
259, 1889.
11. Salary of Ministers. — Resolved, That the regulation of minis-
terial salaries belongs to Presbyteries, and does not properly come before
the General Assembly. Vol. I, p. 38, 1869.
Resolved, 5. That $1,500 should be the average salary of the minis-
ters of this church, and that no minister should receive less than $1,000.
Vol. Ill, p. 23, 1869.
Resolved, 3. That congregations be urged to give to their pastors a
liberal support, and that the sum of $1,000 should be. the minimum for
<;ountiy pastors, and the sura of $2,000 for pastors in towns and cities.
Vol. Ill, p. 534, 1873.
12. Salaries of the Treasurers of the "Ro^xdiS.— Resolved, 4.
That the General Assembly cannot admit any claim for salary on the
part ot treasurers of the different Boards of the church, not having au-
thorized the payment of salaries. Vol. Ill, p 269, 1871.
Resolved, 'I'hat the treasurer of the Foreign Board shall receive annu-
ally for his services $300; of the Home Board, $200; of the Church
Extension Board, $100, and of the Freedmen's Board, $75, until other-
wise ordered by the General Assembly. Vol. IV, p. 455, 1877.
[The salary of the treasurer of the Board of Foreign Missions was
fixed at $300; of the treasurer of the Board of Church Extension at
$75 (increased to $200. Vol. VII, p. 641, 1891), the treasurers of the
other Boards to be paid their expenses. Vol. IV, p. 587, 1878.]
280 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
[The Board of Missions to the Freedmen asked the General Assem-
bly to fix a salary for the treasurer of tire Board and authorize the pay-
ment of the same. The Assembly adopted the following :]
Resolved, That the request of the Board be granted touching the
salary of the treasurer. Vol. VI, p. 30, 1884.
[Previous to the readjustment of salaries in 1878 the treasurer of the
Board of Foreign Missions was allowed a salary of $300 per annum.
Vol. IV, pp. 182, 1875 ; 30G, 1876.]
CXII. SAN FRAK CISCO PRESBYTERY.
[A petition was presented to the. General Assembly for the organiza-
tion of a Presbytery in California. The Assembly directed that a
Presbytery be constituted in tiie church in San Francisco, at such time
as might be agreed upon, to be known as the Presbytery of San Fran-
cisco, the bounds for the present to be the State of California. VoL
III, p. 28, 18G9. The Presbytery was organized November 8, 1869.]
CXIII. SECRET SOCIETIES.
1. The Position of the Church Clearly Defined.— [In answer
to a request from the Presbytery of Cleveland the Assembly adopted
the following :]
The position of the United Presbyterian Church in reference to secret
societies has been so clearly defined in her standards, and so frequently
and positively affirmed by her highest courts, and so widely published
through her periodicals, that any other or further action on the subject
by the Assembly at this time is unnecessary. Vol. V, p. 21, 1879.
[In reply to a communication from the Secretary of the National
Christian Association the Assembly adopted tlie following :]
Resolved, 6. That the position of our Church on secret oath-bound
societies, as set forth in our Testimony, and as expressed in past deliv-
erances of the Assembly, is sufficiently clear and definite, therefore no
further action is required. Also, with reference to questions of reform,
former actions of the Assembly are deemed sufficient and no further ac-
tion is required. Vol. VI, p. 31. 1884.
2. Duty of Pastors and Sessions. — [The Committee on Reform
presented the following, which was adopted:]
Your committee are of tlie opinion that we should emphasize more
than we are now doing the position which we hold as a Church upon
the question of secret societies. In face of the many evils growing out
of the lodge system, and in view of the fact that our country's future
welfare would seem to depend upon the overthrow of this system of
iniquity, we would recommend that all our pastors and sessions be en-
joined to unfurl the banner of our Church upon this question, so tliat
the Church may be recognized everywhere as not in name only, but
also in reality, a factor in the reform that would seek to rid the world
of the oath-bound secret society. Vol. VII, p. 423, 1890.
[Report of the Permanent Committee on Reform :] The evils and
dangers of secretism are as great as ever, and the agitation has not
been as vigorous as could be desired. The country, however, has been
startled into consideration of the dark subject by the recent terrible
SECRET SOCIETIES. 281
tragedy in tlie city of New Orleans. . . .It is hoped that the devel-
opments through the investigations into the methods of the Mafia and
the Clan-na-gael may arouse the public to the dangers of secret combin-
ations of every kind, in society. Vol, VII, p. 729, 1891.
3. Free Masons and Odd Fellows. — Resolved, l. That this As-
sembly regard adherence to the society of Free Masons, or to that of
Odd Fellows, as inconsistent with membership in good standing in the
United Presbyterian Church.
2. That all our Sessions be and hereby are enjoined to carry out, by
the faithful exercise of discipline, the principles set forth in the XVth
Article, as interpreted in the foregoing resolution.
3. That this Assembly do most earnestly and affectionately exhort all
the members of this church to abstain from connecting themselves with
any secret associations, believing that they are unnecessary, and are cal-
culated to operate injuriously on the interests of society, and that they
do especially urge the ministers and elders of this church to use their
influence to keep our members from an incorporation with them. Vol.
Ill, p. 25, 1869.
The Presbytery of Chartiers complains of the action of the last Gen-
eral Assembly on the same subject. The Presbytery expresses the
opinion that the " Assembly did, inadvertently or otherwise, modify and
limit the meaning and application of the XVth article, by putting an in-
terpretation on it which confines its disciplinary application to the
societies of Odd Fellows and Free Masons." * * * One of the me-
morials, which gave rise to the action of last year, asked the Assembly
"to declare distinctly, by name, what societies or associations are pro-
hibited by the aforesaid article." This was, no doubt, considered im-
practicable, and as there could be no doubt as to the associations of Odd
Fellows and Free Masons coming within the scope of the article, and
as these are the most powerful, and, no doubt, the most dangerous secret
associations in the country, we understand the object of the last Assem-
bly to have been, to direct the attention of Sessions especially to them,
without intending to restrict Sessions in the exercise of discipline, when-
ever the principle of the article in question is violated. The adoption
of the following resolution, which is recommended by the committee, is
all that seems needful on the subject :
Resolved, That in the judgment of this Assembly, the last Assembly
did not and could not intend by their action to alter or limit, without
overture, the principle of our Testimony on the subject of secret
societies. Vol. Ill, p. 154, 1870.
4. Odd Fellows. — " Does Article XVth of the United Presbyterian
Testimony condemn the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and are
Sessions to require, as a condition of admission to the church from those
who are connected therewith, that they withdraw from said Order?"
Your committee have no hesitation in giving an affirmative answer to
this inquiry. Those who become or continue members of this society
not only violate the declaration in the Testimony, but also act in oppo-
sition to the unquestionable scriptural doctrine laid down in the Confes-
sion of Faith, chapter 22, «'0f lawful oaths and vows." Vol. I, p. 112,
1860.
In reply to the third point in the memorial we refer to the report of
2»2 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
the Judicial Committee of the Assembly of 1860. The Assembly de-
clared it to be the duty of Sessions to require, as a condition of admis-
sion to the church, that persons connected with the Order of Odd Fellows
withdraw from their connection, and that those who become or continue
members of this society not only violate the declaration in the Testi-
mony, but also act in opposition to the unquestionably scriptural doc-
trines laid down in the Confession, chapter 22. The same remarks
apply with equal force and obligation with respect to all other secret
societies against which we testify. All that is requisite to secure uni-
formity is that Sessions faithfully apply the principles of the church
according to their obligations. Vol. I, p. 3oG, 1862.
5. Patrons of Husbandry. — [Two memorials were before the
Assembly, the first asking a definite answer to the question: " Is mem-
bership in the society known as the Patrons of Husbandry contrary to
the XVth Article of the Testimony, and inconsistent with membership
in the United Presbyterian Church ?" The second asking the Assembly
to give such instruction to the inferior courts as will be best calculated
to secure uniform action throughout the church, and strengthen the
hands of those who are disposed faithfully to administer the principles
of the church on the subject of secret societies. The following was the
action taken :]
Resolved, That the memorialists be referred to the action of the
Assembly of 1869 on the subject of secret societies, and that this Assem-
bly re-affirm the third resolution of said action, which is as follows :
" Resolved, That this Assembly do most earnestly and affectionately
exhort all the members of this church to abstain from connecting them-
selves v.'itii any secret associations, believing that they are unnecessary,
and are calculated to operate injuriously on the interests of society, and
they do especially urge the ministers and elders of this church to use
their influence to keep our members from an incorporation with them."
Vol. Ill, p. 539, 1873.
Resolved, 1. That it is the duty of the members of the United Pres-
byterian Church to free themselves from all connection with tiie Order
of Patrons of Husbandry, where such connection has I»een made.
2. That those of our people who may be connected with the Order are
hereby most earnestly entreated to remember that by their profession
they have come under solemn obligations to Christ to oppose secret
societies.
3. That in case of obstinate adherence to the order, it will be the
duty of Sessions to use their authority in the way of discipline. Vol.
IV, p. 40, 1874.
6. Union Leagues. — As your committee have not the necessary
evidence before them, they are not prepared to express a judgment on
the question whether the practice of the Union League is contrary to
the rule of this church in regard to secret societies ; and, therefore,
recommend the adoption of the following resolution :
Resolved, That the XVth Article of our Declaration and Testimony,
which relates to secret societies, is sufficiently explicit and comprehen-
sive, and that the application of its principles belongs primarily to the
church Sessions and Presbyteries. Vol. II, p. 30, 1864.
7. Grand Army of the Republic. — [The Presbytery of Keokuk
SECRET SOCIETIES. 283
by memorial asked for a deliverance as to the lawfulness of membprship
in the Grand Army of the Republic. The qwestion was referred to a
committee to report to the next Assembly. Vol. VI, p. 14, 1884. The
report of the committee was adopted as follows :]
The question submitted to your committee is as follows : '< Is mem-
bership in the Grand Army of the Republic consistent with Article XV
of the Testimony ?" According to our understanding of this article,
that only is in opposition to the principles contained therein wliich re-
quires an unwarrantable use of an oath, or in which an obligation is im-
posed, the real nature and effect of which are not understood at the
time it is assumed.
Your committee would answer the proposed question as follows, viz. :
That whilst there are minor points of likeness in this association to the
class of secret orders against which Article XV of the Testimony is in-
tended to operate, yet tlie law does not clearly cover the case of mem-
bership in the Grand Army; because there is nothing in the obligation
imposed, or in the manner of administering it, that partakes of the
nature of an oath. Neither is the conscience bound by an unknown
code of laws, because the constitution and laws of the association are
open to the inspection of every one proposing to become a member.
There remains, however, the fact that its ritual and some other
things are to be kept secret, in consequence of which it has an appear-
ance of the evils opposed by the law, and also something of a tendency
to weaken, rather than strengthen, the efforts of the Church to defend
those principles. Tiierefore, in order to avoid the very appearance of
evil, we think it is wise and proper to counsel the members of the
United Presbyterian Church to stand aloof from this and all similar as-
sociations.
Your committee, therefore, submit for adoption the following:
Resolved, That the answer and counsel contained in this paper be
and hereby is adopted, as expressing the views of this Assembly in re-
lation to membership in the Grand Army. Vol. VI, p. 297, 1885.
8. Junior Order of United American Mechanics.— [The Beaver
Valley Presbytery asked the General Assembly to decide whether con-
nection -with the Junior Order of United American Mechanics is con-
sistent with the Fifteenth Article of our Testimony. 1
Resolved, 'J'hat the memorialist be referred to the Minutes of the As-
sembly of 1885, in reference to similar associations, as our answer to
this petition. Vol. VII, p. 631, 1891.
9. Knights of Labor. — The Committee on Bills and Overtures, to
which was referred the memorial of the Presbytery, of Albany, finds it
impossible to report anything of a decided character in regard to those
associations known as " Knights of Labor," and other kindred associ-
ations, because we have no adequate knowledge of their true character,
or of the forms and extent of the obligations which are assumed at the
time of initiation.
There is, however, too much reason to believe that these associations
require a surrender of personal liberty to act in accordance with the in-
dividual's own conscience of right and wrong, and hence are an en-
tanglement and a snare, which we earnestly counsel all our members to
avoid.
284 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Your committee would have the Assembly direct all our sessions to
carry out the rules of our church in dealing with any members who
have joined, or who may be about to join, any of the associations in
question, as they shall obtain such positive information as will enable
them to act intellisently in the case.
"VVe recommend the adoption of the following, viz :
Resolved, That we enjoin upon all our members to abstain from con-
nection with any association which might lead to acts of violence, or to
the invasion of the rights of property, or interference with the liberty of
men to engage in honest labor where and when, and for whomsoever
they may choose. Vol. VI, p. 43G, 1886.
CXIV. SLAVERY.
1. The Rebellion the Result of Slavery.— /Besofoerf, l. That in
the judgment of this Assembly, tliis wicked rebellion, which imperils
the existence of the government, which aims to found a confederacy
upon the ruins of crushed humanity, and which brutally assassinates
and murders our fellow-citizens, is pre-eminently the result of the
practical workings of American slavery. Vol. I, \). 3G4, 1862.
2. The Emancipation of Slaves. — The committee appointed to
confer with a similar committee from the Synod of the Reformed
Presbyterian Church in relation to petitioning Congress on the subject
of the emancipation of the slaves, recommend as the result of their joint
meeting the adoption of the following petition, to be signed by the
moderator and clerk of each body, and transmitted to the Senate and
House of Representatives of the United States.
"To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States
in Congress assembled : The General Assembly of the United Presby-
terian Church, now in session in the city of Pittsburgh, Pa., and the
Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, now in session in the
city of Allegheny, Pa., believing that the holding of human beings as
slaves is a sin against the God of heaven, a manifest transgression of
the law of him who came to preach deliverance to the captives, a gross
violation of the rights of man, utterly irreconcilable with the principles
of human liberty, destructive of the best interests of the land, a foul
blot upon the national escutcheon, a prime cause of the existing
atrocious rebellion, and if continued, a sure provocative of farther and
greater judgments of God upon the nation, would earnestly appeal to
the Congress of the United States to adopt at once all the measures
competent to it to secure the immediate emanci})ation of all human
beings now held in this oppressive and degrading bondage in any part
of this land, and, so tar as such an act of justice may avail, avert the
just indignation of God Most High, and secure the United States from
the recurrence of any similar iniquitous assault upon our national civi-
lization and liberties."
Resolved, That the foregoing action be transmitted to the Reformed
Presbyterian Synod now in session. Vol. I, p. 363, 1862.
Resolved, That without expressing any judgment on the military im-
portance or necessity, or the statesmanlike character, of the emancipa-
tion proclamation of President Lincoln, we hail it as obedience to the
SPEERS' ESTATE. 285
voice of God, calling us, as he did his ancient people, " Let the
oppressed go free, and break every yoke." Vol. II, p. 31, 1864.
3. The Use of Money Derived from the Sale of Slaves.—
[Certain members of the United Presbyterian congregation of Calcutta
received money derived from the sale of an estate in the State of
Louisiana, consisting mainly in slaves. The amount received was too
small to purchase and liberate any of the slaves sold. The Session
asked the Assembly, " Can they, without a violation of the rules of the
United Presbyterian Church, appropriate the monev to their own
use?"]
Resolved, That those members of the Calcutta congregation, who
have received money derived from the sale of slaves, be directed to de-
vote it, according to their best judgments, to the benefit of the colored
race. Vol. I, p. 234, 1861.
CXV. SMYTH'S APPEAL.
[Rev. Charles B. Smyth, of the Presbytery of New York, appealed
from a decision of the Synod of New Y''ork, and accompanied the appeal
with a complaint. He was unable to be present, and the Assembly
appointed a member to represent him. The Assembly referred the case
to a commission. Vol. VI, p. 422, 1886. The commission reported its
proceedings, and the Assembly adopted the following report of the
Judiciary Committee :]
We have examined the action of the commission, and find the pro-
ceedings, which are herewith transmitted, regular, and that said com-
mission did not exceed its powers. We would therefore recommend
that the proceedings be inserted in the records of the Assembly. Vol.
VI, p. 664, 1887. [For the Minutes of the commission see p. 688,
1887. The finding of the commission in the case is as follows :]
" The commission having carefully examined the papers sent up to
them from the Synod and the Presbytery of New York in the case, find
that there has been a want of regularity in the proceedings of the Pres-
bytery of New York, particularly in passing a sentence of suspension
upon Mr. C. B. Smyth without having first instituted judicial process
and giving Mr. Smyth the benefit of a regular trial, and also in failing
to send up a full written record of the evidence on which that sentence
was based. The commission, therefore, without passing any judgment
as to the merits of the case, is compelled to sustain the appeal on the
ground of want of regularity in the proceedings of the Presbytery."
Vol. VI, p. 689, 1887.
CXVI. SPEERS' ESTATE.
[Action concerning the Speers' estate was taken by the Assemblies
of 1870, 1879, 1880, 1890, and 1891. For references concerning the
transfer of the estate to the General Assembly by the Associate Synod,
see Associate Synod. The following memorial of the executors of the
estate of Daniel Speers to the Assembly gives a full history of all pro-
ceedings in the case :]
The executors of the last will and testament of Daniel Speers, de-
ceased, would respectfully represent that they need some action on the
286 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLT.
part of this General Assembly, in order to the final settlement of the
estate of Mr. Speers, and they request that needed action be taken.
The following recital of facts will enable the General Assembly to
determine what should be done in the case :
Mr. Speers died July 21, 1841. The sixth and seventh sections of
his will, bearing date January 16, 1841, and probated August 10, 1841,
are as follows :
" Sixthly, I will and request that my real estate be supported in good
order and condition for the term of fifty years, and shall be kept in-
sured, and if destroyed to be rebuilt, and tlie balance and residue of my
estate, real, personal and mixed, after provision being made for the
payment of tiie bequests and expenses before named, I will and bequeath
to the Reverend Synod of the' Secession Church, of which body the
Rev. Dr. Robert Bruce is a member, and the proceeds and avails thereof
to be applied to the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ here and else-
where, and for tiie support of pious young men wiio may need assistance
while preparing for the gosjiel ministry, in such a way as said Synod
may consider will best advance the kingdom of Christ, and at the end
of said fifty years the executors then acting under this will shall sell and
dispose of my real estate, and the proceeds shall be appropriated to the
above purposes for the objects before named, in such way and manner
as the said Synod at a regular meeting thereof, or a General Assembly,
if such should tlien exist, embracing said Synod, shall direct.
" Lastly, I nominate and appoint Dr. Robert Bruce, Rev. James
Rodgers, and Rev. James Ramsey (members in said Synod), John
Graham, Esq., William Bell, and Samuel George (the first named two
being elders in that connection), and Malcolm Leech (an elder in the
Presbyterian Church), executors of this my last will and testament,
and request that they shall meet, at least once every year, to transact
the necessary business, any four or more of whom, two being ministers,
shall be qualified to do business, and on the death, resignation, or re-
moval from the bounds of the sphere of action of any of said executors,
from time to time, the survivors are requested and empowered to supply
such vacancy by a vole at any regular meeting or meetings called for the
purpose, and the person or persons so selected, keeping the same pro-
portion of ministers and elders, shall be clothed with the same powers
as the executors above named, and this will keep up a living board of
executors until the provisions of this my last will and testament shall
be fulfilled."
The annual income of the estate, till the union of 1858, was paid to
the treasurer of the Associate Synod. From the time of the union till
1870, the yearly income was still paid to the treasurer of said Synod.
The Associate Synod, at a meeting in 1870, took the following action
with reference to the Speers estate. (Minutes, Vol. Ill, page 135.)
"To the General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church:
We are instructed by the Associate Synod to lay before you, for your
consideration, the action of said Synod on the subjects of the Theologi-
cal Seminary and funds, so far as it relates to the transfer of said inter-
ests to your care and supervision.
I. That the Treasurer of the Board rf Trustees of the Associate
Synod be directed to pay over to the Treasurer of the Board of Trus-
SPEERS' ESTATE. 287
tees of the United Presbyterian Geneial Assembly, the accrued rents
and interests of the Sjjeers estate, and hereafter tiiese rents and inter-
ests, as they may accrue, to be employed in the manner following: One-
third part in the aid of the cause of Plome and Foreign Missions, and
two-third parts to be placed at the disposal of the Board of Education,
to be used in accordance with the rules and regulations of said Board.
***** Provided, that in the distribution of that part of the inter-
est of the Speers estate which is appropriated to the aid of students
having the ministry in view, if one or more of the Theological Semin-
aries now under I he care of the Synods of the United Presbyterian
Church shall be put under the care and management of the General
Assembly, then the students in attendance at said Seminary, shall have
the preference in receiving assistance. And, provided further, that in
case neither of these institutions be given to the General Assembly and
the Assembly should deem it wise to establish a Seminary under its
OAvn care and control, then the students in attendance at said Seminary
shall have the preference in receiving assistance. * * *
III. That the Board of Trustees of the Associate Synod, being the
only body invested with legal powers to make the transfer of property
and funds contemplated in the above resolutions, the appointment by the
Synod last year of a committee of five to adjust and settle its financial
affairs, is hereby rescinded.
By order of the Associate Synod,
J. T. Broavxlee, Moderator.
R. H. Pollock, Chrh."
The above action of the Synod was reported to the General Assembly,
when the following action was taken : (Minutes, Volume III, naf^e
141.) ^ ^
" The Committee on Finance report that the Associate Svnod has di-
rected the Board of Trustees of that Synod to pay over to "the Trustees
of the General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church, the ac-
crued rents and interests of the Speers estate, and the money that may
accrue hei-eafter from these sources ; that the appropriation of these
moneys shall be one- third to Home and Foreign Missions, and two-
thirds to the Board of Education of the United Presbyterian Church.
Your committee recommend the adoption of the following resolutions :
Resolved, 1. That the General Assembly of the United Presbyterian
Church most thankfully accepts the generous appropriation of the
moneys arising from tlie accrued rents and interest of the Speers estate.
2. That the Trustees of this General Assembly be directed to receive
and receipt for these funds.
3. That the Board of Trustees be instructed to pay over to the Board
of Education two-thirds of the moneys thus received, and that the re-
maining one-third be divided as follows : Two fifths to tlie Board of
Home Missions and three-fifths to the Board of Foreign Missions."
Some time about the beginning of 1872, the executors learned that
the persons commonly called " Protesters," were making preparation to
enter suit against them, and it was thought unwise to pay over any
more money till the threatened suit was decided. In due time the suit
was brought, and by a decision of the Orphans' Court of Allegheny
County, Pa., affirmed by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, Novem-
288 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
ber 18, 1878, the United Presbyterian Church of North America was
declared to be the legitimate successor of the Associate Church, so far
as rights of property and trust relations were concerned, and ihe execu-
tors were ordered to pay the funds accruing from the Speers estate to
the "Trustees of the Synod of the Associate Presbyterian Church of
North America, subject to the control of the United Presbyterian
Church of North America, for the purpose of the trust created by the
will of Daniel Speers, deceased."
At a meeting of the Associate Synod, in 1879, the following action
was taken : [Minutes, Volume' Y, page 84.]
" To the General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church, in ses-
sion at New Wilmington, May 30, 1879 :
The Associate Synod, by its unanimous action at tlie above named
place and date, agreed to present to the Assembly the following repre-
sentation, viz.; A number of years prior to tiie formation of the United
Presbyterian Church by the union of 1858, a considerable legacy was
bequeathed to the Associate Church by one Daniel Speers, of Pitts-
burgh ; and one of the objects specified in the bequest was ' the educa-
tion of pious young men for the ministry.' The Associate Synod, in
order strictly to carry out the above named object, did for some years
prior to the union pay to the Trustees of the Associate Theological
Seminary, located at Canonsburg, and afterward at Xenia, that portion
of said legacy devoted to the education of young men for the ministry.
These payments continued for more than ten years after the union.
About the year 18G0, at the request of the Associate Synod, the Second
Synod of the United Presbyterian Church assumed the educational con-
trol of said Seminary, with the understanding that said funds had been
annually paid to the Trustees of the Seminary, and the expectation that
the payment would be continued, which expectation was realized up to
the year 1870. In the year 18GG, and annually thereafter till 1870,
the sum paid from this fund to the Trustees of the Seminary was
$1,000. At a meeting of the Associate Synod in 1870, without any
recognition of the claims of the Seminary, or obligation to the Second
Synod, which the Associate Synod had requested to assume the educa-
tional control of the Seminary, the fund was paid over to the United
Presbyterian Church, with the request that it should be appropriated
annually to the Board of Education. The Associate Synod is now
convinced that its action was witliout due consideration, and that by it
injustice was done, not only to the Seminary at Xenia, but to the
Second Synod, which was compelled to bear the principal burden of
conducting the Seminary. This Synod also believes it to be more in
accordance with the design of the will of the late Daniel Speers, that
the fund should be appropriated to the Theological Seminaries of the
Church. In this belief the Associate Church, originally entrusted with
this legacy, appropriated its proceeds to her Seminary for many years
prior to the union. These proceeds now amount annually to the sum
of $2,000. The Associate Synod, therefore, respectfully request the
General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church to consider the
matter here presented, and if in accordance with her wisdom to adopt
the following resolution, or something equivalent thereto, viz :
Resolved, That the Board of Education be directed to pay to the
SPEERS' ESTATE. 289
Trustees of Xenia Theological Seminary, out of the funds of the Speers
estate, transferred to them by the Associate Synod in 1870, the sum of
$1,000 annually, to be used in assisting pious young men in prepara-
tion for the gospel ministry.
Respectfully submitted by order of the Synod,
D. "W. Collins, Moderator.
James Price, Clerk pro tern."
On this request, the General Assembly took the following action :
(Minutes, Vol. V, Page 38.)
"Your committee, to whom was referred the communication of the
Associate Synod in reference to a disposition of a portion of the pro-
ceeds of the Speers estate, would respectfully submit the following:
Whereas, The Associate Synod has by a unanimous vote requested
this Assembly to place a portion of the proceeds of the Speers estate
at the disposal of the Theological Seminary at Xenia, for the support of
pious young men who may need assistance while preparing for the
gospel ministry, as per the terms of the will of the late Daniel Speers;
and
Whereas, These funds were bequeathed to the Synod of the Secession
Church by the said Daniel Speers, and by the said Synod transferred
to the Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church in 1870; and
Whereas, It may be presumed that the late Daniel Speers had in
view the Theological Seminary of the Secession Church, then located
at Canonsburg, the channel through which needy candidates for the
ministry should receive the benefit of his legacy ; and
Whereas, The said Seminary did receive and pay out to her students
the portion of the legacy intended for such purpose, many years prior to
the transfer of these funds to the General Assembly of the United Pres-
byterian Church; and
Whereas, More than $10,000 of accrued interest have been paid over
to the Board of Education by the Trustees of the Speers estate ; there-
fore,
Resolved, That the Board of Education be directed to pay over to the
Board of Trustees of the United Presbyterian Theological Seminary at
Xenia, Ohio, the sum of $6,000 out of the funds received by said Board
of Education from the Speers estate, to be held by said Board of
Trustees of Theological Seminary as a permanent fund, the income
ONLY of which shall be used for the support of pious young men who
may need assistance while preparing for the gospel ministry, in strict
compliance with the terms of the will of the late Daniel Speers, by
which will these funds have reached the Church."
At a meeting of the Associate Synod in 1880, the following action
was taken : (Minutes, Vol. V, page 249.)
"The following action was taken by the Associate Synod at its meet-
ing this day, and directed to be transmitted to your body for informa-
tion :
Whereas, The General Assembly of last year, in response to the
action of the Associate Synod, requesting that the Board of Education
be directed to pay over to the Trustees of Xenia Theological Seminary
the sum of $1,000 annually, for the purpose of assisting pious young
men preparing for the gospel ministry, from the proceeds of the Speers
19
290 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
estate transferred to it by the action of the Associate Synod in 1870,
instead of complyinji with said request, ordered tiie Board to make an
absolute transfer of $6,000 of its fund derived from said estate; and
Whereas, Said request was made under a misapprehension in regard
to the action of Synod in 1870, the minutes not being present; and
Whereas, The action of the last Assembly may cause some embarrass-
ment to the Board of Education ; therefore,
Resolved, 1. That while gratefully acknowledging the kindness of the
Assembly and the Board in acceding so far to the request of Synod, yet
the Synod deems it expedient, and hereby does request the Trustees of
the Xenia Theological Seminary to return the $6,000 received from the
JBoard of Education.
2. That the Treasurer of Synod is hereby directed to pay one-third
part of the proceeds of the Speers estate in the manner following, viz.:
First, $1,000 from this one-third part to the Trustees of the Theolo-
gical Seminary at Allegheny to aid in erecting a dormitory in connec-
tion with said Seminary ; provided, however, that the title to said dor-
mitory be vested in the United Presbyterian Church ; and secondly, the
entire aforesaid one-third part thereafter, until otlierwise ordered, to the
Trustees of the Theological Seminary at Xenia, to be used in aiding
pious young men preparing for the gospel ministry.
3. That so much of the action of the Synod in 1870 as is inconsistent
with the above resolutions be and hereby is repealed.
By order of the Synod,
J. G. Carson, Stated Clerk."
This paper was heard by tlie General Assembly, and ordered to be
published in the Minutes, but the Assembly took no further action.
(Minutes, Vol. V, page 200.)
During all the time since the union of 1858 the executors have been
paying the annual proceeds of the estate to the Treasurer of the Asso-
ciate Synod. While our past action is in accord with the terms of the
union of 1858 and the order of the civil courts, yet it seems to us proper
that it should be confirmed by the General Assembly of the United
Presbyterian Church, that we may conform more distinctly with the
terms of tlie will.
The fifty years, at the close of which, according to the will of Mr.
Speers, the property is to be sold, will expire July 21, 1891 ; and before
the meeting of the next General Assembly arrangements for its sale
should be in progress. No directions have been given for the sale of
the real estate and other assets, and for the distribution of the proceeds.
The will provides that this should be done " in such way and manner as
the said Synod at a regular meeting thereof, or a General Assembly, if
such should then exist, embracing said Synod, shall direct." It seems
to us that this General Assembly should give such directions.
It is probable, if there is during the next year no unusual depression
in business, that the estate will amount to upwards of $100,000.
We, therefore, under the advice of our attorneys, request the General
Assembly in order to carry out the terms of the will, to adopt resolu-
tions substantially as follows :
1. That the payments by the executors under the last will and testa-
ment of Daniel Speers, deceased, of the annual income of the estate to
SPEEUS' ESTATE. 291
the Treasurer of the Associate Synod heretofore, be, and the same are
lierebv approved and confirmed.
2. That the said executors be, and are hereby requested and directed
t© carry out the terms of the said will, by the sale of the real estate and
other assets of the estate of Daniel Speers, at the termination of the
period fixed by him, at such time or times, at either public or private
sale, and for such price or prices, and upon such terms as thev in their
discretion may deem ri^ht and proper, either witli or without any order
of the Orphans' Court of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, as the same
may or may not be deemed necessary.
3. That the said executors be directed hereafter to pay the said an-
nual income, and also the net proceeds arising from the sale of the said
real estate and other assets, directly to the objects named in said will,
and in such way and manner as this General Assembly may direct, in
strict compliance with the terms of the will. Vol. VII, p. 508, 1890
[The following is the action of the Assembly, taken' on the recom-
mendation of a special committee to whom the above memorial was re-
ferred:)
Resolved, 1. That the payments by the executors under the last will
and testament of Daniel Speers, deceased, of the annual income of the
estate to the Treasurer of the Associate Svnod heretofore, be and the
same are hereby approved and confirmed.
2. That the said executors b and are hereby requested and directed
to carry out the terms of the said will bv the sale of the real estate and
other assets of the estate of said Daniel Speers, at the termination of the
period fixed by him, at such time or times, at either public or private
sale, and for such price or prices, and upon such terms as they in their
discretion may deem right and proper, either with or without any order
of the Orphans' Court of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, as the same
may or may not be deemed necessary.
3. That the said executors be directed to compute the entire proceeds
of the Speers bequest, from the time at which the Assembly assumed
control of rents and interests in 1870 to the final settlement of the estate
(said computation to include the annual income from May, 1870, and
also the net proceeds arising from the sale of said real estate and other
assets), and to make such a distribution of these entire proceeds, past
and future, as will give to the Boards of Forei-n Missions, Home Mis-
sions, Church Extension, and Freedmen's Missions one-half of the
whole, that IS, to each of these Boards one-eighth of the whole ; and as
will give also the other half of said entire proceeds, past and future, to
the Board of Education, Xenia Theological Seminary, and Allegheny
Iheological Seminary, that is to each of these institutions one-sixth of
the whole, to be by said Board of Education and Directors and Man-
agers of said seminaries applied for the support of pious young men who
may need assistance while preparing for the gospel minis'try. ^Vol VII
p. 420, 1890. ■^ '
[Memorials from the Directors of the Xenia Theological Seminary
and the Associate Synod, asking a change in the distribution of the
proceeds of the Speers estate, were referred to the Committee on
l^inance, and the following report of the committee was adopted by the
Assembly :] •'
292 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Two communications have been presented to the Assembly, with a
view to tlie distribution of the Speers estate, difl'erent from that ordered
by the last Assembly. One of them comes as a memorial from the
Board of Manajjers of the Xenia Theological Seminary, through a com-
mittee appointed by said Board to prepare and forward it. It demurs
to the retrospective feature in the plan of distribution adopted by the last
Assembly, and asks, for various reasons given, that disbursements in its
favor, out of the income from 1870 to 1890, be not charged to it in the
final accounting as part of its share of the proceeds. Tlie other com-
munication is a paper presented to the Assembly as " action taken by
the Associate !Synod in response to a memorial from the Board of Man-
agers of the Xenia Seminary." It makes no reference to past income
disbursed as proper to be considered in the final distribution. It con-
templates disposition only of " all moneys now in the hands of the exe-
cutors," and moneys yet to come into their hands from income and ulti-
mate sale, and of the total proceeds already in hand and yet to be
realized, it would have one-half divided equally between the Xenia and
Allegheny Theological Seminaries, and the other lialf entrusted to other
institutions of the church.
We refrain from discussing the reasons given by Committee of the
Board of Managers of the Xenia Seminary, for amendment of the
action of last year. But, while not endorsing the reasons given, we
would cordially recommend that the change be made, which we under-
stand the memorialist to ask, for we believe that the scheme of distri-
bution, if amended as contemplated, would fully conform to the will of
Mr. Speers, and make wise and most useful appropriation of his large
bequest, while it seems more likely to harmonize in its support the
members of this Assembly, and give satisfaction to the Church. We
therefore recommend that the Assembly adopt resolutions as follows : —
1. That this Assembly express its high appreciation of all the pains-
taking precautions of the Associate fathers and brethren, since the
union of 1858 to the present time, to secure the Speers estate to the
United Presbyterian Church.
2. That without determining the relation of the Associate Synod, or its
trustees, to the Speers estate, the executors are hereby authorized and
directed to pay the entire Trust Fund, including income accumulating
from date of last Assembly's action ordering distribution, and after de-
ducting necessary expenses, to David W. Collins, David W. Carson^
James McCandless, James G. Carson, John T. Brownlee. F. A.
Hutchinson, Samuel Collins, George M. Reed and James B. Lee, act-
ing " Trustees of the Synod of the Associate Presbyterian Church of
North America, subject to the control of the United Presbyterian
Church of North America, for the purpose of the trust created by the
will of Daniel Speers, deceased ;" and said acting trustees are hereby
made the fiscal agents of the General Assembly for the purpose of re-
ceiving said funds, and transmitting the same to the Trustees of the
General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church ; and said acting
trustees and fiscal agents are hereby directed to transmit such funds^
and every portion, thereof to said Trustees of the General Assembly,
when and as rapidly as the same are paid over to them by said exe-
cutors.
STANDARDS OF THE CHURCH. 293
3. That the Trustees of the General Assembly be directed, as often at
least as once a year (unless tliey may find so frequent a distribution to be
inexpedient), until the final settlement of the estate, to make distribution
of the moneys thus entrusted to them ; the distribution to be made to
boards and institutions of the United Presbyterian Church, and in pro-
portions as follows : To the Boards of Foreign Missions, Home Missions,
Freedmen's Missions and Church Extension one-half of the amount of
each distribution ; that is, to each of these Boards one-eighth of said
amount ; and, as requested by the Associate brethren, to the Xenia and
Allegheny Theological Seminaries one-half of the amount of each dis-
tribution ; that is, to each of these seminaries one-fourtli of the said
amount, to be ''applied for the support of pious young men, who mav
need assistance, while preparing for the Gospel Ministry."
4. Tliat in consistency with these resolutions the third resolution of
the action of the last Assembly, in adopting the report of its Committee
on the Speers estate, be and hereby is repealed.
0. That copies of this action duly attested, be given to the executors
of this estate ; to the said David W. Collins, David W. Carson, James
McCandless, James G. Carson, John T. Brownlee, F. A. Hutchinson,
Samuel Collins, George M. Reed and James B. Lee, acting trustees
aforesaid, and fiscal agents hereby appointed ; and' to the several
Boards and Theological Seminaries above named as beneficiaries of
this trust. Vol. VII, p. 633, 1891.
CXVII. STANDARDS OF THE CHURCH.
1 . The Integrity of the Standards of the Church to be Pre-
served.— Tlie memorial [of the Presbytery of Boston] asks the As-
sembly to take steps to secure ''a briefer form of sound words." evi-
dently meaning by the phrase " sound words " tlie standards of the United
Presbyterian Church. By the deliberate judgment of the Church, the
Articles of the Confession of Faith are stated in as brief a form as is
consistent with distinctness and fidelity to the truths which they enun-
ciate. The same is true of the Articles of the Testimony, the Form of
Government and Directory for Worship. To abbreviate the Catechisms,
in our opinion, would be a simple marring of that which is recognized
by a large portion of the evangelical church as a brief summary of the
whole Christian system. The memorial asks that which would in its
nature interfere essentially with the integrity of our standards.
The tendency of the times is to break loose from what has hitherto
been held by the Church as forms of sound words, and we are warned
by this fact to exercise unusual watchfulness and tenacity respecting the
present form of our standards.
Resolved, 1. That the request of the memorial be not granted. Vol.
V, p. 529, 1882.
2. A Summary of the Principles of the Church. — Resolved, 2.
That while this request [for "a briefer form of sound words"] is de-
nied, a committee of three be appointed to report to the next General
Assembly a summary of our principles, for use in mission work. Vol.
V, p. 529, 1882.
[The committee was continued, with instructions to publish their
294 DIGEST or THE acts of the assembly.
report in the meantime in the papers of the Church. Vol. Y, p. 743,
1883.1
3. The Standards of the Church may be Changed by Over-
ture.— See Principles of the Church, Sec. o.
CXVllI. STATE OF THE COUNTRY.
Resolutions on the State of the Country During- the Civil
War. — Resolved, 1. Tiiat the General Assembly do advise and exhort
all the people under her inspection to " Search and try their ways and
turn to the Lord. Let them cease to do evil and learn to do well."
Isaiah 1:16.
2. That the clerk of the Assembly be directed, and hereby is di-
rected, to forward to the President of the United States a letter in be-
half of this Assembly ; and after assuring him of our earnest sympathy
and the sympathy of our people, and our and their readiness to co-
operate with him in his endeavors to maintain the constitution and the
integrity of the nation, to solicit him, in behalf of this Assembly, by
his proclamation, to invite and call all the people of the United States
to fasting, humiliation and prayer on day of .
3. That the Assembly do earnestly recommend all the people under
their care to confess and bewail, not only their own sins, but the sins of
the land, and to be much in prayer in these times of trouble. Yol. I,
p. 228, 1861.
Resolved, 2. That the true remedy for the evils which now surround us,
and threaten our national existence, lies in turning to the living God,
acknowledging the sovereignty of him who rules in the affairs of men,
and in complying with the demands of his law, which requires that
"liberty be proclaimed throughout all the land to all the inhabitants
thereof," " then shall our light break forth as the morning, and our
health shall spring forth speedily."
3. That this Assembly has an abiding confidence in the National
Government ; bids it God-speed in suppressing this rebellion ; and we
pledge ourselves to its support in maintaining the principles of civil and
religious liberty by all scriptural means.
4. That a copy of this paper be transmitted to the President and
heads of departments, to assure them of our sympathy and co-operation,
and to urge upon tliem the necessity of taking immediate and effective
measures to remove the causes of our national troubles, that we may be
restored to the favor of God. Yol. I, p. 364, 1862.
The paper * * * asks for the appointment of a committee to
prepare an address to President Lincoln, Secretary Stanton, and Lieu-
tenant-General Grant, embodying the following items :
1. An assurance of the deep sympathy and earnest co-operation of
this Assembly, and of the people wliom we represent, with the Govern-
ment in its present trials and worthy efforts to maintain the principles
on which it is based.
2. Tlie great satisfaction we have enjoyed in observing their recog-
nition of the facts "that God alone can organize victory," " that we
need the Divine favor," and that we are warranted to expect this favor
only in the way of a dutiful regard to his will as Governor among the
nations.
STATISTICS. 295
3. An assurance that we gladly recognize this favor in the successes
which have attended the movements of our armies on the Potomac and
in Georgia, and that it is only in the continuance of this favor that we
can hope for final success.
That an address of the nature contemplated in the paper of these
brethren should go forth from this Assembly is highly proper. "We
therefore recommend for adoption the following resolution :
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to prepare, at their earliest
convenience, an address such as the paper ot these brethren contem-
plates, and forward it to President Lincoln and his Cabinet. Vol. II,
p. 31,1864.
Resolved, 1. That with grateful remembrance of our late President,
Abraham Lincoln, a great and good man, who, like Moses, under God,
led a nation of people to the very borders of the land of liberty and rest,
we also pledge to Andrew Johnson, our present Chief Magistrate, our
cordial sympathy and support, in the hope that, like a Joshua, he will
do right and accomplish, under God, the object of our desire, namely, the
reconstruction of our Government on the broad basis of universal
freedom.
2. As civil magistrates are designed to be a terror to evil-doers, it is
the unanimous opinion of this Assembly that all punishments, defined by
the constitution as deserved by traitors, should be visited upon the lead-
ing instigators and prosecutors of this rebellion. In Ezra vii. 26, we
read : " Whosoever will not do the law of thy God and the law of the
king, let judgment be executed speedily, whether it be unto death, or to
banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment." Mercy
to the great civil and military heads of this rebellion would be cruelty
to coming generattons.
3. We earnestly recommend our people to exhibit every possible
kindness to all soldiers who have been maimed by this war, and to the
widows and fatherless children of those who lives' have been sacrificed
in this conflict for liberty and right.
4. That the stated clerk be instructed to transmit a copy of these
resolutions to Andrew Johnson, President of the United States, and to
assure him of our heartfelt desires for his success in the work of recon-
struction, in establishing order and peace, and in perfecting the emanci-
pation of the African race in our land. Vol. II, p. 164, 1865.
CXIX. STATISTICS.
L Items to be Inserted in the Statistical Tables. The Gen-
eral Assembly gave order concerning the items to be inserted in the
statistical tables. Vol. I, p. 44, 1859.
Presbyteries were required to report the names of licentiates, stud-
ents of theology, and correspondents for vacancies. Vol. I, p. 361,
1862.
It was ordered that the statistics of Sabbath-schools be reported.
Vol. II, p. 163, 1865.
The second clerk, in connection with the Corresponding Secretaries
of the several Boards, was instructed to have blanks prepared, adapted
to the several departments of the mission work. Vol. Ill, p. 20, 1869.
290 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
It was ordered that tlie column "salary by Assembly" be omitted ;
that "salary by Congregation" be changed to "salary of pastors," and
that aid from the Home Mission fund be indicated by a star ; that a
column be added, " Amount paid Supplies," and that certain changes
be made in the order of the tables. Vol. Ill, j). 13G, 1870. These
changes were carried out only in part.
Until 1866 the decrease of members by death was reported in a sep-
arate column. Vol. II, p. 163, 1865.
Resolved, 4. That tlie column '^'^ Decrease" be divided as follows: one
column under decrease be designated "By death'' one "By removal^
Vol. VII, p. 637, 1891.
Resolved, 3. That vacant congregations are requested to report only
the amount paid out for su|)plies during the year, and not the tixed
salary of the congregation when settled. Vol. VI, p. 20, 1884.
[The gathering of tlie statistics of Sabbath-schools was referred to
the Second Clerk. Vol. VI, p. 242, 1885.]
Resolved, 2. That the column designated •' Months open" [for Sab-
bath-schools], " Salary by Assembly," " Board of Publication," be dis-
continued.
Resolved, 5. That contributions made to the Board of Publication be
included in the report of general contributions. Vol. VII, p. 637, 1891.
Statistics of the Missionary Societies were published, 1881-1887, but
after the publication of such reports by the General Missionary Society
was begun, the Second Clerk was authorized to discontinue tiie publi-
cation. Vol. VI, p. 434, 1886.
Resolved, 3. Tliat the assigning one column for number of members
of Young People's Societies, be approved. Vol. VII, p. 037, 1891.
2. Table of Congregations Contributing. — A table was pre-
pared by the Second Clerk showing the number of congregations con-
tributing to the several funds of tiie church, and the Assembly gave
order that it be published in the papers of the church, Vol. IV, p. 450,
1877, and in the Minutes of the Assembly from year to year. Vol. IV,
p. 584, 1878.
" All the funds " in this table is defined to mean " all to which appro-
priations are made by the Assembly." Vol. VII, p. 431, 1890.
3. A List of New Organizations. — Resolved, That a list of new
organizations be appended to the Minutes of this and future Assemblies.
Vol. II, p. 511, 1868.
4. A List of Licentiates. — Resolved, That an alphabetical list of
licentiates, together with the Presbyteries to which they belong, be ap-
pended to the Minutes of this and future Assemblies. Vol. II, p. 511,
1868.
5. A Record of Ordinations The Second Clerk was directed to
prepare a record of the date of the ordination of every minister and the
Presbytery by which he was ordained. Vol. Ill, p. 137, 1870.
0. A List of Congregations. — The Second Clerk was directed to
prepare an alphaltetical list of congregations and have it published in
the Minutes. Vol. II, p. 396, 1872.
7. Record of Deceased Ministers. — Resolved, 2. That the record
of ministers deceased be published in the Minutes from year to year.
Vol. IV, p. 171, 1875.
STATISTICS. 297
8. A Record of Congregations. — A historical record of congrega-
tions was prepared by Dr. J. B. Scouller, and order was given that it
^' be published in the Minutes of the General Assembly this year." Vol.
YI, p. 434. 188G.
9. Vital Statistics. — Resolved, That the table of vital statistics
prepared for this number be printed with the other tables. Vol. V, p.
539, 1882. [Tliis talde was continued for several years, but was dis-
continued, except where it appears in the Record of Ministers De-
ceased. I
10. Average Salary of Ministers — Resolved, 3. That in making
tjp the average salary, clerks of Presbyteries be directed not to include
the amount paid by vacancies for supplies. Vol. VI, p. 20, 1884.
11. "Average per Member" Defined.— iJeso^re^^, 2. That the
average per member, in computing congregational statistics, be based
on the number reported at the close of the past year. Vol. VII, p.
431, 1890.
Resolved, 7. In computing congregational statistics, the average per
member shall be based on tlie number reported at the close of the cur-
rent year. Vol. VII, p. 637, 1891.
12. Statistics Under the Charge of the Second Clerk.— i?e-
solved, That, instead of the assistant clerk, who is elected annually and
serves only during the sessions of the Assembly, a second permanent
clerk be elected for i he same term of office with the principal clerk;
who, in addition to his duties during the Assembly, shall have special
charge of statistics, shall take measures to secure full and correct re-
ports from all the Presbyteries, shall prepare the tables for the press,
and report to the Assembly all Presbyteries which fail to send full and
accurate statistics. Vol. II, p. 511, 1868.
13. Blanks for Statistical Tables — Resolved, 3. That the stated
clerk be directed to have printed and to forward to the clerk of each
Presbytery, at least three months previousfy to the meeting of each As-
sembly, two blanks for Presbyterial reports, and twice as many congre-
gational blanks as there are congregations in each Presbytery, affixing
to each blank such printed directions as may be necessary. Vol. I, p.
44, 1859.
Resolved, That the clerks of the Assembly be authorized to revise the
blanks for congregational and Presbyterial reports, and to have them
prepared and forwarded to clerks of Presbyteries in season for next
year's reports. Vol. II, p. 511, 1868.
14. Time for Forwarding Statistical Tables. — Resolved, lO.
That clerks of Presbyteries be directed to have their statistical tables
forwarded to the second clerk, so as to reach him not less than ten days
before the meeting of the Assembly. Vol. Ill, p. 138, 1870.
Resolved, 1. That the second clerk be directed to forward blanks to
clerks of Presbyteries, not later than the first of February ; that Ses-
sions be required to return their statistics to the clerks of Presbyteries,
not later than the fifth of April, and the clerks of Presbyteries to re-
turn theirs to the second clerk not later than the twenty-fifth of April.
Vol. IV, p. 450, 1877.
2. That the attention of Pastors and Sessions be called to the im-
portance of early forwarding their reports to the clerks of Presbyteries,
298 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
in order that that tliey may reach the Second Clerk at as early a day as
possible. Vol. VII, p. 23'l, 1889.
Resolved, 1. That in the publication of the minutes this failure [to
forward the statistical reports of Presbyteries within the above timej be
made conspicuous by a star, or some otiier sign which the Clerk may
prefer to employ for that purpose. Vol. V, p. 200, 1880.
15. Close of the Statistical Year. — Resolved, l. That the statisti-
cal year close on the thirty-tirst day of March, and that Sessions be re-
quired to forward their statistical tables to clerks of Presbyteries as soon
tiiereafter as practicable. Vol. Ill, p. 39G, 1872. [Re-affirmed, Vol.
Ill, p. 54(;, 1873.] "Not later than the fifth of April." Vol. IV, p.
450, 1877.
16. Summaries to be Submitted to the Assembly.— -ffeso/vec?,
2. That the Second Cleik be instructed to submit, if possible, to each
General Assembly printed summaries of the statistics. Vol. V, p. 539,
1882.
17. Summaries of Foreign Missions. — Resolved, 3. That. . .
the Second Clerk be autliorized to publish in the Minutes of the As-
sembly only the sunimuries [of Foreign Missions] leaving the detailed
statistics to be published in the reports of the Board. Vol. VII, p. 231,
1889. [The statistics of Forei-in Missions were not published after
1889.]
18. Statistics of Church Property.— See Vol. VII, p. 57o, 1890.
CXX. STUDENTS OF THEOLOGY.
1. Students Recommended to Attend the Colleges of the
Church. — Resolved, Tiiat the ministers and elders of this church be
recommended to exert their intluenco, most earnestly, in promoting the
Christian culture of the young under their care, and tliat all parents,
who are seeking for their children a secular education, be urged to take
care that those educational institutes, where they place them, be such as
are under the influence of Christian principles, and, so far as practicable,
such, also, as are favorable to the maintenance and propagation of the
tenets of our church. Vol. II, p. 11, 1864.
3. That we hereby express our fullest confidence in the ability and
efficiency of the instructors in Allegheny and Xenia Theological Semi-
naries, and our conviction that the young men educated in these are
quite as well equipped for the gospel ministry, and better equipped for
the ministry of our own church, than those educated elsewhere.
4. That we affectionately urge students under our care to resist the
temptations that fall in their way to go elsewhere, and thus avoid ex-
posure to teachings and practices antagonistic to the faith we profess.
Vol. VII, p. 28, 1888.
3. That we affectionately urge students under our care to attend our
own colleges and seminaries, inasmucii as the training there received
will better fit them for the ministry of the gospel in our own Church,
and because we have the fullest confidence in the ability and efficiency
of the instructors in these institutions. Vol. VII, p. 229, 1889.
2. That we repeat and emphasize the action of former Assemblies, in
urging upon parents and students the importance of attending and
STUDENTS OF THEOLOGY. 290
patronizing our own colleges and seminaries, as especially equipped for
preparing for the ministry and other work in our Church; and that
we commend the action of Presbyteries in requiring the attendance of
students under their care at our own Seminaries. Vol. YII, p. 652,
1891.
2. Undergraduates are not to Enter the Theological Semi-
nary.— Resolved, That Presbyteries be instructed not to permit stu-
dents to enter the seminaries while prosecuting the collegiate course.
Vol. Ill, p. 529, 1873.
3. Theological Students Must be Under the Care of a Pres-
bytery.— Resolved, 3. That no student of the United Presbyterian
Church shall be received in any of our seminaries until he has placed
himself under the care of some Presbytery, and that after he has been
received, he shall pursue his studies during the interval between the
sessions under the direction of his Presbytery. Vol. II, p. 487, 1868.
4. Unlicensed Students Should not 'Brtd.ch.— Resolved, i. That
the Assembly regards with disapprobation, as irregular and of injurious
tendency, the condition of matters alleged to exist in certain quarters,
according to which unlicensed students of theology undertake to officiate
as preachers in the ordinary services of public worship.
2. That Presbyteries be, and they hereby are, charged to adopt
prompt measures for the suppression of the disorderly state of matters
indicated, resorting, if need be, to the exercise of judicial discipline on
the actual offenders, and on those who make themselves accessory to tlieir
offense by appointing or inviting them to preach. Vol. IV, i). 592,
1878.
With reference to the memorial from Chartiers Presbytery, asking
that such action may be taken by this Assembly as may be necessary to
prevent theolo<iical students from accepting appointments to preach
previous to licensure, we would recommend that unlicensed students be
and hereby are enjoined to refrain from accepting appointments to
preach, while in attendance at tlie Seminary, and that Presbyteries be
required to see that this injunction is carried out. Vol. Vll, p. 416,
1890.
5. Students of Theology May be Employed in Missionary
Labor. — [The Presbytery of .Stamford asked that an overture be sub-
mitted on the employment of students of Theology in missionary labor.
The following action was taken :]
We are of opinion that our Book of Government and the action of
the Assembly of 1878 are sufficiently explicit in placing the whole con-
trol and direction of students of theology in the hands of their respective
Presbyteries. While our Book gives explicit direction as to the studies
and licensure of students in all ordinary cases, it leaves much to the
discretion of Presbyteries. It is our opinion that the employment of
students in missionary labor, under the direction of Presbytery, may
be of great service in the Home Mission field, and at the same time afford
them the very best training for future .pastoral work. We, therefore,
offer the following resolutions :
1. That there is no necessity for an overture on this subject.
2. That when, in the judgment of Presbyteries, it would be advan-
tageous, in the training of students under their care, to have them
^00 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
engage in some appropriate mission work during vacation, they are at
liberty to so employ them in connection with the Board of Home Mis-
sions. Vol. VI, p. 240, 1885.
5. That our Presbyteries be recommended to fully employ their
unlicensed students in evangelistic work during their vacations. Vol.
VII, p. 460, 1890.
6. Students of Theology to be Trained for Sabbath School
Work. — Resolved, G. That the directors of our Theological Seminaries
be directed to make suitable provision for the special training of the
theological students for Sabbath-school work. Vol. VII, p. 230, 1889.
CXXI. SUPERINTENDENTS OF MISSIONS.
1. Election of Superintendents of Missions. — [Previous to the
following order, sui)erintendents of missions were appointed by the
Assembly without Presbyterial nomination.] Resolved, That the
clerks of Presbyteries be instructed to furnish the principal clerk, pre-
viously to the meeting of the Assembly, with a list of nominations for
* * * superintendents of missions, with their post-office address,
and that the clerk be instructed to report this list to the General
Assembly for confirmation. Vol. Ill, p. 28, 1869.
Each Presbytery shall nominate annually to the General Assembly
one of the ministers connected with it, for appointment as superintendent
of missions for the Presbytery. Vol. IV, p. 160, 1875.
2. Duties of Superintendents of Missions. — [On the recom-
mendation of the Board of Home Missions, in order that "the Church
may be furnished with more full and definite information respecting
our work," the Assembly adopted the following :] Resolved, 1. That
the Assembly appoint a suitable person in eacli Presbytery as superin-
tendent of missions within its bounds, to whom each of the missionaries
receiving aid shall send quarterly reports concerning the condition and
prospects of the work in his field of labor.
2. That it shall be the duty of said superintendent to condense and
prepare for publication tlie information thus obtained, and forward it to
the Executive Committee. Vol. II, p. 426, 1867.
20. * * * jj shall be his duty to superintend the mission work
in his Presbytery ; to obtain quarterly reports from stations receiving
aid, and from missionaries laboring in the Presbytery ; to make a
quarterly report, in the form approved by tlie Assembly, to the cor-
responding secretary of the Board of Home Missions ; to receive from
the treasurer of the Board, receipt for and distribute the money appro-
priated to aid congregations and stations ; and in general to act as the
organ of communication between the Board and the Presbytery, and
perform such duties as the Presbytery may direct. Vol. IV, p. 160,
1875.
7. Resolved, That superintendents of missions be directed to report
delinquent appointees to their respective Presbyteries, in order that
they may be called to account for their delinquency. Vol. V, p. 242,
1885.
Resolved, 1. Tiiat hereafter the annual reports of the Presbyteries to
the Board of Home Missions be made by the superintendents of mis-
.'sions of the several Presbyteries. Vol. VI, p. 468, 1886.
SUSTENATIOX FUXD. 301
3. Accounts of Superintendents of Missions to be Audited.
— Resolved, Tliat the Presbyteries be required, annually, to audit the
accounts of the superintendents of missions. Vol. IV, p. 472, 1877.
CXXII. SUSTENTATION FUND.
Resolved, That * * * be a committee to prepare the plan of a sus-
tentation fund, and report to the next General Assembly. Vol. I, p.
44, 1859. [This committee did not present a report to the next As-
sembly.]
[On certain memorials, asking the Assembly to establish a general
delegate fund and a sustentation fund, the following action was taken :]
Resolved, 1. That we deem it inexpedient to establish either of these
funds at the present time.
2. That a committee of one member from each Synod be appointed,
to whom all the papers relating to these subjects shall be referred, and
whose duty it shall be to consider these subjects carefully, and report to
the next General Assembly ; and, also, to publish their report in the
papers of the church, at least three months before the meeting of the
Assembly. Vol. Ill, p. 543, 1873.
[This committee reported a plan to the Assembly, when the follow-
ing action was taken :]
Resolved, That all the papers on the subject of Sustentation be referred
to a special committee, which shall prepare a report, to be submitted,
before the first of September, to the Presbyteries, that they may report
to the next General Assembly their opinion thereon, and any sugges-
tions in regard to the same, which they may deem of importance. Vol.
IV, p. 16, 1874.
[This committee presented a report to the next Assembly, Vol. IV, p.
226, 1875, when the following action was taken :]
Resolved, That further action on these papers, by this Assembly, is
not advisable. Vol. IV, p. 168, 1875.
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to report to the next Gen-
eral Assembly, if in their judgment they can devise one, an improved
system of ministerial support, to the end that such formidable hindrances
to the gospel may be avoided, and the success of our church and the
salvation of souls greatly promoted. Vol. IV, p. 594, 1878.
[This committee reported progress, and asked leave to report at their
discretion. Their request was granted. Vol. V, p. 10, 1879. No
subsequent report appears.]
[The Presbytery of Detroit sent up a memorial on sustentation, and
the General Committee of Home ]\Iissions submitted the following :]
1. That we recommend to the General Assembly to consider the pro-
priety of establishing a Sustentation Fund for the purpose of aiding
such congregations as need help, to enable them to keep up the regular
worship of God, and yet are not properly mission churches ; that is,
churches that are so located that they may be expected to increase in
numbers with the prospect of soon becoming self-supporting.
The Assembly adopted, the following:
It is believed that a division of the funds, as contemplated in the
plan of Sustentation, and the discouragement to congregations incident
■302 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
to placing them in the class proposed, would counterbalance any advan-
tages that migiit accrue to the Church tlieretrom. Vol. VJ, pp. 19, 68,
1884.
[Tiie Presbytery of Detroit renewed its memorial, and the Assembly
appointed a committee to prepare and report to the next Assembly " a
scheme of ministerial sustentation adapted to tlie needs of our Church."
Vol. VJ, p. 245, 1885. The committee reported a plan and th<i
Assembly took the following action :]
Resolved, That the proposed plan of ministerial sustentation appears
in its general features to possess much to commend it to acceptance;
that in a matter so important, however, it seems wise to take further
time for maturing the plan and exciting an interest in it ; that to this
end the report which has been read be printed in the papers of the
Church, as well as in the Minutes of the Assembly ; that the committee
which prepared tlie report be continued, and that the Presbyteries be
asked to communicate by January 1, 1887, to said committee in a gen-
eral way their views in relation to the report, which communications
the committee will condense and convey to the next Assembly, together
with such suggestions as they may deem proper. Vol. VI, pp. 499,
418, 1886.
[Tiie Committee reported, recommending that the plan proposed the
preceding year be adopted and placed in the hands of a competent
Board.] Vol. VI, p. 739, 1887. The whole subject of Ministerial
Sustentation was referred to the next General Assembly. P. 682, 1887.
£No further action appears.]
CXXIIl. SYNODS.
1. Minutes of S3mods. — Resolved, That Synods under the care of
Assembly be and are iiereby enjoined to submit to the General Assem-
bly, for inspection, a record of their proceedings. Vol. II, p. 309, 1866.
Resolved, 3. That the Synods under the care of the Assembly be
authorized, if in their judgment they think it best, to make a printed
copy of their minutes, certified by the signature of the clerk, the official
copy of the minutes. Vol. Ill, p. 380, 1872.
2. That the General Assembly hereby recommends to all the Synods
to have their minutes published on paper of tlie same size as that on
which the minutes of the General Assembly are published, and to have
carefully prepared indexes appended to them. Vol. V, p. 38, 1879.
2. Attendance of the Members of the S3mods. — [The com-
mittee on Revision reported that tlie minutes of the Synods showed a
large number of absentees. Whereupon :]
Resolved, 1. That the General Assembly urge a fuller attendance of
ministers and elders at the meetings of our Synods. Vol. V, p. 718,
1883.
3. Sjmods Organized. The Synod of Iom'a. [Formed out of
the Synod of Illinois, including the States of Iowa and Minnesota, and
the Territories of Kansas and Nebraska, but the Presbytery of Kansas
to be connected with the Synod of Illinois ; .to be constituted on the
last Thursday of August, 1860, at 7.30 P. M., in the city of Oskaloosa,
Iowa.] Vol. I, p. 107, 1860.
SYSTEMATIC BENEFICENCE. 303
The Synod of Kansas. — [From the Synod of Illinois, to consist of
the Presbyteries of Western Missouri and Kansas ; to be constituted in
the City of Leavenworth, Kan., on Wednesday, September 29th, 1869,
at 7 P. M.] Vol. Ill, p. lU, 1869.
The Synod of Nebraska. — [That part of the Synod of Iowa lying
west of the Missouri River, together with the Presbytery of Colorado,
from the Synod of Kansas ; to be constituted in the city of Omaha,
on the last"Tuesday of September, 1886, at 7.30 P. M.] Vol. VI, p.
435, 1886.
The Synod of Ohio [From the First Synod of the West ; to
consist of the Presbyteries of Mansfield, Muskingum, Steubenville and
Wheeling, to be constituted at Steubenville, on the First Tuesday of
October, 1862, at 7 P. M.] Vol. I, p. 358, 1862.
The Synod of the Pacific — [The Presbyteries of San Francisco
and Oregon, to be constituted in .the city of Albany, Or., on the second
Tuesday of September, 1877, at 7:30 p. m.] Vol. IV, p. 308, 1876.
The Synod of Pittsburgh. — [From the First Synod of the West,
including the Presbyteries of Big Spring, Chartiers, Conemaugh,
Frankfort, Monongahela and Westmoreland, to be constituted at Indi-
ana, on the first Tuesday of October, 1862, at 2 p. m.] Vol. I, p. 358,
1862.
4. Change of Synodical Boundaries.— [Tiie Presbytery of De-
troit, was transferred from the Second Synod to the First Synod of the
W^ist.] Vol. I, p. 123, 1860. [And again from the First Synod of
the West to the Synod of Ohio.] Vol. VII, p. 628, 1891.
5. Biennial Meetings of the S3mod of the Pacific— [The Pres-
byteries of San Francisco and Oregon memorialized the Assembly so to
modify the law of the church as to allow the Synod of the Pacific to
meet biennially instead of annually. The General Assembly overtured
to the Presbyteries the question of the suspension of the rule so as to al
low the Synod of the Pacific to meet once in two years.] Vol. IV, p.
573, 1878.
[The vote on this overture was : Ayes, 699 ; nays, 24 ; not voting,
12. Tiiereupon the General Assembly adopted the following :]
Resolved, That the law of the church touching. the meeting of Synods
be and is, in tlie case of the Synod of the Pacific, suspended so far as to
permit said Synod, until otherwise ordered by the Assembly, or desired
by the Synod itself, to meet only once in two years instead of every
year. Vol. V, p. 20, 1879.
CXXIV. SYSTEMATIC BENEFICENCE.
1. Standing Committee on Systematic Beneficence and its
Duties — ResuLved, 1. That a standjng committee of five, to be called
tlie Committee on Systematic Beneficence, l)e appointed.
2. That the duties of this committee shall be to examine Presbyterial
reports, with a view to ascertain what system, if any, tiie Presbyteries
have adopted for raising the benevolent funds of the Church, and to
recommend such plans or measures as in their judgment are best
adapted to secure system in our financial operations, and thus replenish
the treasuries of the Church. Vol. I, p. 359, 1862. [This committee
was abolished by the adoption of the amended Rules of Order in 1870.
304 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OK THE ASSEMBLY.
A special Committee on Systematic Beneficence was appointed. Vol.
V, p. 9, 1879.]
2. The Tithe System. — [On a memorial from the Presbytery of
Westmoreland, a committee was appointed to investigate and report
upon tlie tithe system, Vol. II, p. 169, 1865. This committee pre-
sented a report, Vol. II, p. 319, 1866, which was published by order of
the Assembly, Vol. II, p. 347, 1866.]
Resolved, That in the judgment of this Assembly, Christians ought
not, in their contributions for benevolent and religious purposes, to fall
below one-tenth of their yearly income. Vol, V, p. 33, 1879.
4. A Plan for Systematic Giving-. — [Tlie Assembly recommended
a plan for systematic giving. Vol. 111. p. 542, 1873.]
[The Committee on "Ways and Means reported, and tlie Assembly
approved the following:]
The raising of money should commence early in the year. Under no
circumstances should it be postponed until the middle or end of the
year. * * * In reference to the plan ot raising money, we would
strongly recommend the envelope system, or collections at the quarterly
communion seasons, or a collection by subscription books in the hands
of committees, or some other plan of systematic giving. It must be
remembered, however, that the best system ever devised will partially
or totally fail if the proper persons do not make the needed exertion ta
carry it out : and, on the other hand, that a very unpromising system
can often be made to work successfully if judicious and enthusiastic per-
sons are in charge of it. Vol. VII, f). 293, 1889.
1. That the Committee on Ways and Means be directed to continue
to present to our congregations the '• Five Suggestions;" and that in
in every case, where it is at all practicable, the contributions for the
Boards of the Church be taken weekly.
2. That ministers and sessions be specially urged to keep the people
under their care well informed as to the needs and progress of the
Church's work, both by the circulation of literature, and holding con-
ferences thereon.
3. That the Committee on Ways and Means be empowered to secure
in every Presbytery the help of one or more persons, specially interested
in bringing before the people of all our congregations the claims and
needs of the general work of the Church, who shall advise and co-
operate with the financial agent in his work. Vol. VII, p. 641, 1891.
[The "Five Suggestions" referred to above are as follows :]
First, Let the pastor or stated supply call together the members of
his session for prayer and consultation. Speak to them of Christ's
" Great Commission" and of their obligations to help carry it out, and
that the Boards of our Church are the chief agencies through which this
commission is carried into ejf'ect hy the Church.
Second. At this same meeting speak of and discuss the New Testa-
ment rule of giving, 1 Cor. xvi. 2. Pray over it. Then, if not already
done, let each member of session, knowing his privileges and feeling his
obligations, resolve to devote at least the one-tenth of his income to the
Lord, or to give " as God hath prospered him." If time is asked by
any of the members of session for further consideration of the subject^
grant it, and call another meeting in one or two weeks.
TEMPERANCE. 305
Third. When this is done, present the whole subject of '< Missions"
and of " Christian Giving" to the members of the congregation. Let
them know of the resolve taken by tlie members of session, and then
earnestly ask them to join you in devoting at least the one-tenth of their
income to the Lord, or, to give "as God hath prospered them."
Present the subject of giving, not only as a duty, but as a idgh priv-
ilege. Let giving be regarded as an act of worship,
Fourth. Commence the raising of mission money early in the year.
Do not under any circumstances postpone the matter until the middle
or close of the year.
Fifth. We desire to emphasize the fact that it is the regular, stated,
systematic, giving of the many that is of special benefit to tiie Church
and to the individual. Every member should be encouraged to give
something. All should have a part in carrying on the miss'ion work of
our Church. Vol. VII, p. 720, 1891.
See, also. Christian Giving.
CXXV. TATE'S APPEAL.
The appeal comes before the Assembly based on the following facts
as they appear from the records : At a meeting of the PresbyTery of
Keokuk, held at Burlington, la., September 6, 1886, the Presbytery
was asked to direct the Session of the congregation of Keokuk to cease
from the use of an organ in the worship of God in the congregation,
and to enjoin upon all Sessions under the jurisdiction of the Presbytery,
to forbid the use of musical instruments in the worship of God, whether
in the congregation, the family, or the Sabbath-school, wherever and
by whomsoever attempted. The Presbytery refused to take the above
action, and from its decision the present appellants took an appeal to
the Synod of Iowa. The Synod of Iowa refused to sustain their appeal,
and from that decision they appeal to this Assembly.
Your Committee finds that the appeal is regularly before the Assem-
bly and'recommends that it be taken up and issued according to order.
And for the decision of the case the Committee proposes for adoption
the following :
Whereas, There is now no law forbidding the use of instrumental
music in the worship of God, and therefore no violation of law in the
case pending, therefore.
Resolved, That the appeal be not sustained. Vol. VI, p. 674, 1887.
CXXVI. TEMPERANCE.
1. The Manufacture and Sale of Intoxicating Drinks.—
Resolved, 1. That the business of manufacturing and vendino- intoxi-
cating drinks, for drinking purposes, is injurious to the best int'erests of
society, and therefore inconsistent with the law of God, which requires
" Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."
4. That the practice of renting houses to be occupied by those who
are engaged in the manufacture and sale of intoxicating drinks to be
used as a Leverage, or for any immoral purpose, is utterly inconsistent
with the honor of the Christian religion. Vol. I, p. 41, 1859. TRe-
affirmed. Vol. II, p. 16, 1864.1
20
30G DIGEST OF THK ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Itesolved, 1. That the Church is essentially a temperance society,
and her members should use all their influence for the suppression of
the liquor traffic, and encouragement should be given to all those who,
by lawful means, are laboring to accomplish this great and noble result.
Vol. Ill, p. 546, 1873.
Resolved, 1. That it is inconsistent with membership in the Church
of Christ to use, or be engaged in tlie manufacture or sale of, intoxicat-
ing liquors as a beverage. Vol. IV, p. 185, 1875.
Whereas, The manufacture and traffic in intoxicating liquors is a
great and growing evil, working the ruin of many, and filling the land
•with want and mourning; and, whereas, the Church should do every-
thing to counteract its influence and seek its overthrow ; therefore.
Resolved, 1. That we, as an Assembly, recommend to all our Pres-
byteries to do all in their power to counteract tlie workings of this great
•evil.
2. That a committee be appointed to consider this matter, and make
such recommendations as they think best, to tlie next Assembly. Vol.
IV, p. 322, 187G. [For the report of this committee, see Vol. IV, p.
493, 1877.]
Resolved, 3. That it is inconsistent with memljership in the church
of Christ to be engaged in the manufacture or sale of intoxicating
liquors as a beverage ; or in any other Avay to aid or abet in the manu-
facture, sale or use of intoxicating liquors.
5. That the license of the traihc is incompatible with the welfare of
the State ; and that the State should seek its entire prohibition. Vol.
IV, p. 494, 1877.
Resolved, 1. Drunkenness is an evil of giant proportions, having in-
herent and appalling malignity. It is strongly entrenched by custom,
cupidity and appetite. It works wide-spread ruin in society, and de-
stroys men's souls and bodies.
2. The use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage, and the manufac-
ture and sale of them for this purpose, are evils dishonoring to God and
destructive to men.
3. To give aid or countenance to those engaged in this nefarious
business, by furnishing them with the necessary materials, leasing to
them property to be used in their business, signing their petitions for
license, or in any other way, is to make ourselves " partakers of other
men's sins."
7. Individual Christians should use all proper means for the suppres-
sion of the licpior traffic. Legal prohibition, moral suasion and the
practice of total abstinence are demanded. Vol. IV, p. 583, 1878.
Resolved, 1. That this General Assembly, in view of tlie many and
terrible evils of intemperance, and the fact that the common traffic in,
and the moderate use of intoxicants as a beverage, are the source of all
these evils, hereby renews and reiterates all the action of our church on
these subjects, and does most solemnly warn our people, and all over
whom we have an influence, to avoid the use of intoxicants of any kind,
and in any quantity, as a beverage; also against all complicity with the
traffic, by furnishing money, selling materials directly to, or renting
houses for, the manufacture or sale of intoxicants. Vol. V, p. 364,
1881.
TEMPERANCE. 307
Hesolred, 1. That we regard the traffic in strong drink as one of tlie
ereatest hindrances to tlie progress of the cause and Kingdom of our
Lord Jesus Christ. Vol. V, p.' 740, 1883.
1. Tlie liquor traffic is forbidden by the Word of God, (Hab. ii. 15,)
and is a barrier to the growth of the cluirch, an enemy of the home and
the State, and its legitimate fruit is, and has ever been, oppressive taxes,
wretched paupers, cruel madmen, wasted fortunes, ruined homes and
lost souls.
6. That the signs of the times in which we live, indicate that the
liquor traffic is the next great evil, which the Loi'd of Hosts, in His
great strength, has arisen to destroy; and that a willing people, in this
the day of his power, are rapidly coming to his help. So we thank
God and take courage. Vol. VI, p. 433,^1880.
2. That we regard the traffic in intoxicating liquors as a sin against
God and a crime against humanity; and condemn all forms of license,
high or low, as morally wrong, laying the responsibility for the exist-
ence of the tratKc upon the State, and urge upon our people the duty of
acting with prayerful deliberation in the exercise of tJieir citizenship,
that they may not compromise their Christian principles or complicate
themselves in any way with this evil, Vol. VII, p. 423, 1890.
2. Total Abstinence. — liesolced, 2. That the use of intoxicating
drinks as a beverage has a tendency to lead to intemperance, and in
most, if not all cases, results in intemperance in a greater or less degree,
and, therefore, is inconsistent with the law of God, which not only for-
bids all sin, but all the " causes, means, occasions and appearances
thereof, and provocations thereunto."
3. That church Sessions have full authority, and it is their duty, to
enforce the principle of total abstinence where, in the exercise of a
sound discretion, they have reason to believe the safety of the individual
and the honor of religion require it. Vol. 1, p. 41, 1859. [Re-affirmed,
Vol. II, p. 16, 1864.]
Resolved, 2. That it is the imperative duty of all the followers of
Christ to abstain from the use of intoxicating drinks of every kind, and
that such abstinence is necessary to a consistent Christian life. Vol.
Ill, p. 546, 1873.
Resolved, 2. That every church member should consider himself as
pledged, by the obligations which he assumes, to total abstinence from
all intoxicating liquors as a beverage. Vol. IV, p. 494, 1877.
Resolved, 2. The use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage, and the
manufacture and sale of thedn for this purpose, are evils, dishonoring to
God and destructive to men.
7. Individual Christians should use all jjroper means for the suppres-
sion of the liquor traffic. Legal prohibition, moral suasion, and the
practice of total abstinence, are demanded. Vol. IV, p. 583, 1878.
1. That this General Assembly . . . does most solemnly warn our
people, and all over whom we have an influence, to avoid the use of in-
toxicants of any kind, and in any quantity, as a beverage. Vol. V, p.
364, 1881.
2. That we give anew our hearty and emphatic endorsement to the
proposition that . . . total abstinence is the only rule for the individ-
ual. Vol. VII, p. 20, 1888.
308 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Resolved, 1. That this General Assembly recognize the question of
Temperance Reform, as one of the greatest moral issues of the times.
2, That we give our hearty and emphatic endorsement to the propo-
sition that total abstinence is the only safe rule for the individual, and
that tlie prohibition of the manufacture and sale of all alcoholic liquors
as a beverage, is the true method of dealing with the monstrous evil by
the State. Vol. VI, p. 32, 1884.
The liquor traffic, as carried on in our land, is a curse to the individ-
ual, the Church and the State, an enemy of all human happiness, and a
chief hinderance in tlie way of the kingdom of the Lord. It is evil,
and only evil, continually. Vol. VI, p. G75, 1887.
3. That we continue to endorse the proposition of former Assemblies,
that total abstinence is the only safe rule for the individual, and prohi-
bition by law of the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors as a
beverage, the true method of dealing with this terrible evil by the State.
Vol. VII, p. 227, 188'J.
3. The Duty of the Church in the Temperance Reform. —
Mesolved, 4. Tliat it is the duty of all Christians and good citizens to
combine their eftbrts to secure thorough reformation on this subject.
6. That individuals, Sessions, Presbyteries and Synods be requested
to use all possible means within their reach, to secure and promote tem-
perance reform.
7. That those engaged in recent movements, having for their object
temperance reform, have the sympathy and encouragement of this
Assembly. Vol. IV, p. 494, 1877.
Resolved, 4. While, in instances in which it results, in some measure,
from inherited infirmity, drunkenness may be regarded, to some extent,
as a misfortune ; it is at the same time a sin, a heinous sin, against God
and a crime against society.
5. Mere human devices, whether pledge, or organization, or profes-
sion, while they may be in some degree helpful, are utterly inadequate
to the complete and permanent reformation of the drunkard. The
gospel of Christ alone, introduced into the soul by the illuminating
power of the Holy Spirit, can bring effectual deliverance from this and
every other form of moral evil.
6. It is the duty of the Christian Church to sympathize with and
earnestly promote all proper efforts for the reformation of the inebriate
and the suppression of intemperance.
8. The Church of Jesus Christ is the divinely appointed agency, and
through his strength, an adequate agency for the establishment of
godliness, and righteousness, and temperance in the earth. Vol. IV, p.
583, 1878.
6. That we commend to all our congregations and Sabbath -schools
tlie importance of organized efforts and thorough instruction in all
phases of the great temperance question. Vol. VI, p. 32, 1884.
It becomes the duty of Christians everywhere, with great unanimity,
while differing as to methods, to place a united front against this terrible
system of iniquity, and do all in their power to accomplish its over-
throw. Vol. VI, p. 433, 1886.
We believe that recent developments in the wat against the saloon
call loudly to our Church to occupy even more advanced ground in her
liostility to every form of license or taxation. Vol. VII, p. 423, 1890.
TEMPERAXCE. 309
4. Prohibition.— i^eso/yec?, 5. That the license of the traffic is in-
compatible with the welfare of the State ; and that the State should seek
its entire prohibition. Vol. IV, p. 494, 1877.
Resolved, 7. Individual Christians should use all proper means for
the suppression of the liquor traffic. Legal prohibition, moral suasion,
and the practice of total abstinence are demanded. Vol. IV, p. 583,
1878.
[The General Assembly petitioned the Senate of Pennsylvania to
pass the House bill then before it, for a prohibitory amendment to the
Constitution of the State. Vol. V, p. 343, 1881.]
3. That it is our fixed pur|)ose as ministers and elders to prosecute
the work of temperance reform until proliibition shall become the set-
tled policy of our nation and total abstinence the universal practice of
the individual — that we will seek the accomplishment of the former of
tliese objects by the exercise of our privileges and the discharge of our
duties as citizens, and of the latter by the exercise of our privileges and
the discharge of our duties as church members. Vol. V, p. 534, 1882.
2. Tiiat as a civil remedy we regard absolute prohibition as the only
efficient one for the great evil.
3. That as an Assembly, we regard " constitutional amendment," as
the only sure method of securing this most desirable result, and that
we will urge upon our people the importance of seeking, in all right
ways, to secure such amendment. Vol. V, p. 740, 1883.
7. That there can be no compromise with this evil ; that absolute,
unconditional prohibition is the end at which we should aim, and the
ultimatum which alone we are willing to accept. Vol. VI, p. 240,
1885.
2. That, as it is in the power of the General and State governments,
within their respective jurisdiction, to abolish and prohibit the liquor
traffic, in their failure to do so, and in licensing, taxing or taking reve-
nue of the liquor traffic, they become parties in the nefarious business,
and are guilty of establishing and encouraging iniquity by law.
3. That is the duty of the dominant political parties, and of all in au-
thority in civil government, to submit the prohibition of the liquor
traffic to a vote of the people under their care, and not to bow before
the Moloch of the liquor power.
4. That we unhesitatingly declare ourselves for the prohibition of the
liquor traffic, both State and National, and will labor by our counsels,
our prayers and our votes, as God gives us to see the right, for its
speedy accomplishment. Vol. VI. p. 433, 1886.
2. That we regard this traffic as an evil which can never be removed .
without political action, and that we regard its entire prohibition as the
most pressing political question of the times; and that it therefore be-
comes our duty as Christian citizens, in the careful and prayerful use of
the ballot, to meet this question directly. Vol, VI, p. 67G," 1887.
2. That we give anew our hearty and emphatic endorsement to the
proposition that prohibition is the true policy for the State, and total
abstinence the only rule for the individual.
3. That we rejoice in the progress made in many States toward se-
curing the suppression of the liquor traffic by Prohibitory Constitutional
Amendment, and pledge our hearty support to this plan for the over-
310 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
throw of this great enemy of all that we hold dear. Vol. VII, p. 20,
1888.
3. That we continue to endorse the proposition of former Assemblies,
that total abstinence is the only safe rule for the individual, and prohi-
bition by law of the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors as a
beverage, the true method of dealing with this terrible evil by the State.
Vol. VII, p. 227, 1889.
Inasmuch as the question of constitutional amendment prohibiting the
liquor traffic is pending in the State of Pennsylvania, and is to be de-
cided at a popular election, to be held on the 18th of June, next.
Resolved, 1. That this Assembly heartily approves the proposed
amendment and earnestly counsels all members and adherents of our
congregations in Pennsylvania to work and vote for the enactment.
Vol. VII, p. 209. 1889. [The Assembly issued a pastoral letter to be
read in all the Cliurches before the election, p. 235.]
Resolved, 1. That we earnestly re<juest Congress to speedily pass the
bill introduced by Senator Wilson, and now pending in the Senate, sub-
jecting all intoxicating liquors shipped into the several States to the
'laws thereof. Vol. VII, p. 410, 1890.
3. That we regard the recent decisions of the Supreme Court of the
United States as determining tiie place which this question must hence-
forth occupy in politics, and making clear that nothing short of absolute
prohibition, in both State and nation, can ever work deliverance from
this great and growing evil. Vol. VII, p. 423, 1890.
5. License for the Sale of Liquors Wrong-. — Resolved, 2. That,
as it is in the power of the General and State governments, within
tlieir respective jurisdiction, to abolish and prohibit the liquor traffic,
in their failure to do so, and in licensing, taxing or taking revenue of
the liquor traffic, they become parties in tlie nefarious business, and are
guilty of establishing and encouraging iniquity by law. Vol. VI, p.
433, 188G.
Knowing that the Son of God Avas manifested, not to regulate but to
destroy the works of the devil, we, his servants, declare:
1. That all measures of license or tax are wrong in principle and a
failure in practice. Vol. VI, p. 676, 1887.
2. That any form of license or taxation of the liquor traffic is un-
scriptural in principle and contrary to good government, and ought to
be discouraged by every Christian, philanthropist and patriot. Vol.
VII, p. 227, 1889.
To license or tax the traffic is no remedy, and is wrong in principle.
The privilege to sin and ruin manhood should not be sold at any price.
The Son of God was manifested to destroy, not to regulate, the works of
the devil.
In view of these facts we recommend the following action :
Resolved, 1. That we reaffirm the past utterances of the Church
upon this subject, especially that of the Assembly at Springfield, Ohio,
in 1889, viz: "That any form of license or taxation of the liquor
traffic is unscriptural in principle and contrary to good government,
and ought to be discouraged by every philanthropist and patriot."
2. Tiiat partisan friendship for the saloon must be accepted as hostil-
ity to the Church, the home, and all that is valuable to society. No
TEMPERANCE. 311
party is worthy the support of Christian men that fails to antagonize the
saloon.
3. That we favor the abolition of the Government tax on intoxicating
liqnors, as making the nation a participant in the crime of drunkard-
making, the revenue derived from this tax being the price of our
brother's l)lood. Vol. VII. p. 6ol, 1891.
6. The Duty of Christian Citizens. — Resolved, 3. That we recog-
nize the new phases ot tliis question, presenting themselves in the ef-
forts of both friend and foe of the liquor traffic, and we accept the con-
flict as "an irrepressible " one, whicli it would be moral cowardice and
treason to attempt to avoid.
4. That we approve tlie plan of obtaining both constitutional and
statutory enactments to entirely surpress the manufacture and sale of in-
toxicants as a beverage ; and hereby urge our ministers and people to
co-operate, in all pro|)er efforts, to secure such legislation as will speed-
ily accomplish this end.
0. That we urge all our ministers and people, in casting their ballots,
to support for office only such candidates as are practical temperance
men, and who by their known character and position before the public,
can be relied on to aid in securing and enforcing proper legislation on
this subject. Vol. V, p. 3G4, 1881.
4. That it is the judgment of this Assembly that the members of our
churches should, as Christian people, insist on the presenting of such
men for legislative positions as shall represent them on this matter of
temperance reform. Vol. V, p. 740, 1883.
2. That we regard this traffic as an evil which can never be removed
without political action, and that we regard its entire prohibition as the
most pressing political question of the times ; and that it therefore be-
comes our duty as Christian citizens, in the careful and prayerful use of
the ballot, to meet this question directly. Vol. VII, p. 67G, 1887.
1. That the liquor traffic is an enemy to the home, to society, to
the church and to the State, and that the time has come when Christian
people should cease to be indifferent, and unite their efforts, regardless
of previous party affiliations, for its entire suppression. Vol. VII, p.
227, 1889.
2. That we regard the traffic in intoxicating liquors as a sin against
God and a crime against humanity; and condemn all forms of license,
high or low, as morally wrong, laying the responsibility for the exist-
ence of the traffic upon the State, and urge upon our people the duty of
acting with prayerful deliberation in the exercise of their citizenship,
that they may not compromise their Christian principles or complicate
themselves in any way with this evil. Vol. VII, p. 423, 1890.
2. That partisan friendship for the saloon must be accepted as hos-
tility to the Church, the home, and all that is valuable to society. No
party is worthy the support of Christian men that fails to antagonize the
saloon. Vol. VII, p. 651, 1891.
7. Temperance Instruction in the Public Schools. — Resolved,
5. That while we rejoice in the good work done by the women's organ-
ization in disseminating literature and providing lectures, and thus
helping to create and develop a correct public sentiment, we specially
commend and second their effiarts to secure, by State legislation, the
SI 2 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
introduction in our public schools of temperance text books, and in-
struction in regard to the effect of the use of alcohol on tiie human
system. Vol. YI, p. 32, 1884.
8. Temperance Meetings on the Sabbath. — Resolved, 4. While
we deem it the duty of Christian ministers and people to aid in advanc-
injr the great cause of temperance reformation, yet, since all the ways
and means employed are not such as are proper for the sacredness of
the Lord's day, we would caution ministers and people against holding
or attending such meetings on the Sabbath as are inconsistent with the
sacredness of that day. Vol. VI, p. 240, 1885.
5. That, * * * while not endorsing everything they [the
Women's Christian Temperance Union] do, — notably, som6 of tlieir
Sabbath meetings — we rejoice in the great and good work they are ac-
complishing. Vol. VI, p. 433, 188G.
9. Unfermented Wine and the Lord's Supper.— i?eso^vec?, 7.
That this Assembly urge upon sessions to ])rovide only unintoxicating,
tliat is, unfermented, wine for use in the administration of the Lord's
Supper. Vol. V, p. 3Go, 1881.
7. Tiiat we earnestly recommend Church Sessions to provide unfer-
mented wine for Communion purposes. Vol. VI, p. 32, 1884.
Resolved, That the action of the General Assembly of 1884, recom-
mending Church Sessions to provide unfermented wine for Communion
purposes, be re-afhrmed. Vol. VI, p. GGl, 1887.
10. Temperance and the Week of Prayer. — [In response to a
memorial from tiie ISational Committee of the Women's Christian
Temperance Union, the General Assembly adopted tiie following :]
Resolved, 1. That this Assembly does hereby petition the Interna-
tional Committee of tiie Evangelical Alliance, to set apart one day of
the wt^ek of prayer for 1881, to be devoted to the cause of temperance.
Vol. V, p. 195, 1880. [Similar action was taken. Vol. V, p. 364,
1881 ; p. 534, 1882, p. 740, 1883 ; VoL VI, p. 240, 1885.]
Resolved, 5. That, * * * in case of the refusal of this request
[for a day in the week of prayer] the Principal Clerk of the Assembly
be authorized and directed to designate the day on which this subject
shall be considered, and shall ffive notice of such designation through
the papers of the Church. VoL V, p. 535, 1882 ; p. 740, 1883. [Sim-
ilar action was taken. Vol. VI, p. 240, 1885.]
11. Temperance and the international Sabbath-School Les-
sons.— Resolved, 6. That we ask the Committee on International Sab-
batii-school Lessons to frequently introduce this subject ; or, if this is
not done, that our own Committee be directed to furnish the Church with
these lessons. Vol. V, p. 364, 1881.
12. United Effort with Other Denominations to Stay In-
temperance.— [On certain memorials on tlie subject of temperance,
tlie following action was taken :]
Resolved, 1. That we heartily endorse the sentiments of the memor-
ialists as to the extent of this evil, the greatness of the danger, and
tlie necessity for united and earnest effort to resist it.
2. That in order to secure concert of action, the Assembly instruct
the delegates that may be appointed to otlier churches to lay before
them our desire as a Church to unite with them in devising and carry-
ing out measures to stay the tide of intemperance in our land.
TEMPERANCE. 313
3. That, in the meantime, Synods and Presbyteries be requested to
hold intercourse with similar courts of other denominations in their
bounds, and seek their co-operation in such measures as may be lawful
^nd necessary to promote the cause of temperance. Vol. Ill, p. 271,
1871.
Resolvedy 4, That tlie Assembly hereby appoints * * * as a
committee of correspondence, to invite the co-operation of various eccle-
siastical bodies of the Christian church, to unite at as early a day as
possible in a national delegate convention, to secure a movement along
the entire line, by the organization of a national Christian Temperance
Alliance. Vol. IV, p. 41, 1874.
Resolved, 2. That it is the duty of the friends of God and humanity
to combine their efforts for the suppression of intemperance, and its re-
moval from the churcli and the country. Vol. IV, p. 185, 1875.
Resolved, 1. That a committee be appointed by this Assembly, to
meet with similar committees from other evangelical cliurches, to de-
vise a plan for united effort in the cause of temperance, on the part of
other churches.
3. That the committee on correspondence be instructed to correspond
immediately with otiier churches, informing them of the appointment of
the above committee, and of the time and place of meeting ; and also
requesting them to appoint similar committees to meet at the time and
place named.
4. That our own committee be instructed to prepare a plan for our
own direction in the work, if the other churches do not respond to the
invitation. Vol. IV, p. 494, 1877. [For the report of this committee,
see Vol. IV, p. G33, 1878.]
Resolved, 9. That * * * i^e appointed a permanent committee
to confer with similar committees appointed by other evangelical
churches with regard to the best means of securing united effort in the
cause of temperance ; such committee to meet at such time and place as
may be agreed upon on consultation with the committees of otlier
churches ; and report their proceedings to the next General Assembly.
-Vol. IV, p. 583, 1878.
[This committee reported :]
Owing to the fact tiiat your Committee received no notice of the ap-
pointment of any similar committees from other churches, there has been
no meeting during the year, and consequently we have no report of
"proceedings" to Briake. Vol. V, p. 12, 1879.
[Seven delegates were appointed to the National Temperance Con-
vention to meet at Saratoga, N. Y. Vol. V, p. 3G5, 1881.]
13. Deleg-ates to the American Temperance Congress.— [The
General Assembly appointed five persons to represent The United
Presbyterian Church in the American Temperance Congress to be held
in New York. Vol. VII, p. 409, 1890. For the report of the dele-
gates, see p. 738, 1891.]
14. The Temperance Centennial. — Resolved, 2. We heartily ap-
prove the setting apart of the week commencing September 20, 1885,
as a Centennial Temperance Week, and that ministers and Sabbath-
schools be recommended to hold suitable temperance services on Sab-
bath, September 20, and suggest that on that day a contribution be
314 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
made to assist in distributing temperance literature especially among the
Freed men.
3. We recommend that Presbyteries appoint one or more delegates to
attend the Centennial Temperance Conference to be held in the city
of Phihidelplnn, Septemb'-r 23 and 24. 188."). Vol. VI. p. 240, 1885.
15. The Women's Christian Temperance Movement En-
dorsed.— Resolved, 1. That we endorse tlie Woman's Christian Tem-
perance movement as the movement of the whole church — because it
recognizes God, and seeks his interposition ; because it assaults directly
and personally, in the spirit of Jesus, the strongholds of this vice ; be-
cause the movement has proved itself good, by creating a healthy public
sentiment, by reducing tlie sale of intoxicants, by the joy it has
brought to many a household, by the deliverance it has affected for
many a victim, by restoring the operation of the Sabbath laws, by
illustrating the power of tlie gospel and of prayer, and by giving new
life and energy to the pulpit.
3. That the Assem!»ly believes that the reading of the Scriptures,
prayer, the singing of Psalms, and earnest religious admonition and re-
buke belong exclusively to no privileged class oi' sex, but devolve upon
all members of the church, male and female, and are to be used for the
conversion of sinners and for the suppression of vice, by all wlio love
the Lord Jesus Christ. Vol. IV, p. 41, 1874.
4. That we recognize in the Women's Christian Temperance Union
a powerful and most etficient ally in the war against this enemy of
" (lOii and Home and Native Land," and we bid them God S))eed in
their patient, persistent, heroic and prayerful efforts to make effective
their great battle cry, " The saloon must go." Vol. VI, p. 32, 1884.
G. We highly appreciate the spirit and work of the National
Women's Christian Temperance Union, in its general aspect as carried
forward through its. ten thousand local auxiliaries, and bid our sisters
God-speed in their brave endeavor " For God and Home and Native
Land." Vol. VI, p. 240, 1885.
5. That in the rapid progress now beinjc made in the cause of tem-
perance, much credit is due to the prayers and labors of the Women's
Christian Temperance Union, and while not endorsing everything they
do, — notably, some of their Sabbath meetings, — we rejoice in the
great and good work they are accomplishin<i. and bid them God-speed.
Vol. VI, p. 433, 1886.
CXXVII. TERMS OF COMMUNION.
1. Explanation of the Sixteenth Article of the Testimony. —
On the memorial from tiie Second Synod of tiie AVest, relative to cer-
tain modifications of the sixteenth article of our Testimony, the com-
mittee on Bills and Overtures report :
It is well known to those who are familiar with the history of the
church, that the faith and practice of both churches, jjreviously to the
union in which the United Presbyterian Church originated, were in ac-
cordance with the principles of restricted, in opposition to latitudinar-
ian communion. This article did not, therefore, introduce a new prin-
ciple into the United Church, but defined more explicitly than had
TERMS OF COMMUNION. 315
previously been done, the ground which both parties occupied before
the union was formed. And it is well known to those who took an ac-
tive part in the establishment of the union, that without an article of
this kind, that union which gave rise to such hallowed joy could not
have been effected. And now, after this union has been brought about,
as the result of much and fervent prayer, and long and laborious efforts,
is it wise to endanger the peace of the church by attempting to effect a
change ? Does not mutual good faith require that we should abide by
the covenant which brought us together?
The memorial desires the Assembly to modify the sixteenth article of
our Testimony, " so as to concede to Sessions the authority of applying
the princi[)les of it, as their own discretion may direct."
Your committee are unable to see the necessity for such a modifica-
tion. This authority Sessions already possess. It is supposed that
Sessions are composed of men of understanding, and that they are ac-
quainted with the principles which they have embraced ; and they must
of course exercise their discretion in the application of these principles
as cases may occur. Sessions, of course, are responsible for the manner
in which they exercise this discretion ; but the right to exercise it is un-
questionable.
The memorial further desires the Assembly to declare that " Sessions
be not authorized to receive to communion any but such as would be re-
ceived to permanent membership." To give such a deliverance is
surely unnecessary. IS'o such authority is now enjoyed ; and we are
not aware that any Session asks for such authority. If it should come
to pass that any Session shall ask for such authority, it will then be time
enough for the Assembly to say whether it shall be granted.
The sixteenth article of our Testimony lays down the general rule on
the subject of communion, by which the church is to be governed in all
ordinary cases. It was not designed to make provision for cases of an
extraordinary nature. When cases of this kind occur, Sessions, in the
exercise of a wise discretion, must dispose of them as may be for the
peace and edification of the church.
Your committee would, therefore, recommend the adoption of the
following resolution :
Resolved, That the sixteenth article of our Testimony defines, in a
manner sufficiently explicit, the general law of the church on the sub-
ject of communion, and no modification which would change its
character is required at the present time. Vol. II, p. 488, 1868.
2. Adherence to the Standards to be Required of those
Seeking Communion with the Church. — Resolved, That the inter-
ests of tlie United Presbyterian Church, demand not the preparation
of a new creed, either in form or in fact, but the faithful application of
the principles contained in her standards. Vol. I, p. 61, 1859.
* * * The United Presbyterian Church has explicitly declared that
an adherence to the Westminster standards, and to the declarations
contained in her Testimony, will be required of those seeking com-
munion with her. * * * The United Presbyterian Church claims to
be honest in making the declarations contained in her Testimony ; and
those who will not give her credit for honesty in her profession, cer-
tainly could not desire to enjoy her fellowship ; nor is it likely they
516 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
would be satisfied with any explanation which she could give of her re-
ceived principles. * * *
Resolved, That on the subject of tlie distinctive principles of the
United Presbyterian Church, no further deliverance, than that which
is contained in her Testimonv for the truth, is at present necessary.
Vol. I, p. 61, 1859. [Re-atiirmed, Vol. I, p. 119, 1860; Vol. I, p.
55o, 1862.]
The memorialists ask three questions : First. Are our distinctive
principles, as well as the doctrines of grace, terms of communion ?
Second. Is it consistent with our standards to extend communion in seal-
ing ordinances to persons retaining membership in churches holding
principles inconsistent with our pi-ofession? Third. Should a Presby-
tery tolerate such practices by the ministers and Sessions under its
care ?
Tiie Assembly cannot but express its surprise that such questions
should ever have been propounded. It is not possible to return a more
explicit affirmative answer to the first, or negative answer to the second,
than is given in the Testimony of the Church, as adopted at the for-
mation of the Union.
In the introduction of the Testimony, it is stated that an "adherence
to the Westminster standards, and to the declarations contained in the
following Testimony, will be required of tliose seeking communion with
us." And in the 16th declaration, we find the following : " We de-
clare that the church should not extend communion in sealing ordinances
those who refuse adiierence to her profession, or subjection to her gov-
ernment and discipline, or refuse to forsake a communion inconsistent
with the profession she makes." Tliese are the authoritative statements
of the doctrine and order of the church. The Assembly cannot make
them any clearer or more emphatic. While the courts of the church
may and ought to exercise forbearance in love towards those who can-
not fully subscribe to these declarations, yet they may not tolerate de-
termined opposition to them, or wanton practical violation of them.
The church has thus clearly set forth the law on this subject; the ad-
ministration of it is left to the inferior courts. It is their manifest duty,
in meekness and love, to do all they can to persuade all under their care
to walk orderly. In case, however, of violation of the law, wantonly
persisted in, as the last resort, recourse must be had to regular judicial
process in the proper courts. * * * Xhe Assembly regard the
Testimony of the church as sufficiently explicit. It does not appear
that any deliverance that can be made will render its meaning any
plainer or more pointed. Tlie carrying out of the principles of the
church is vested in the inferior courts, and not in the Assembly.
Whether or not, therefore, our Testimony is duly administered, will de-
pend on the faithfulness of Sessions, Presbyteries and Synods. Vol. I,
p. 113, 1860, [Re-affirmed, Vol. I, p. 355, 1862.]
It has long since been distinctly declared by the Assembly, that what
is wanted in the United Presbyterian Church, is not the amendment or
modification of our ecclesiastical standards, but the exercise of brotherly
love and the honest and faithful application of our avowed principles.
And it is the business of the courts of the church to see that the princi-
ples embodied in these standards are faithfully applied in practice.
TERMS OF COMMUXIOX. 317
Resolved, That the former action of the General Assembly renders it
unnecessary that any further deliverance should be given at this time,
on the subjects to whicli the memorialists refer. Vol. I, p. 482, 1868.
Resolved, 2. That we regard it as inconsistent with that integrity
which should characterize the followers of Christ to espouse a profession,
and under the garb of that profession to assail its well known and ac-
knowledged principles.
Resolved, That in the judgment of this Assembly, persons are not to
be tolerated in the communion of the Church avowing a determined
opposition to the standards, which we are most solemnly pledged to
maintain. Vol. II, p. 307, 1866.
[See, also, Hill's case. McCune's casp, and Secret Societies.]
3. Sessions Must Exercise a Wise Discretion in Admitting-
Persons to the Communion of the Church. — In the case of the
adirission of members, Sessions are affectionately recommended to use
great tenderness towards tiie weak, or such as are earnestly inquiring
after the trutii. Vol. II, p. 31, 1864.
The memorial desires the Assembly to modify the XVI th Article of
our Testimony, " so as to concede to Sessions the authority of applying
the principles of it, as tlieir own discretion may direct."
Your committee are unable to see the necessity for such a modifica-
tion. This authority Sessions already possess. It is supposed that
Sessions are composed of men of understanding, and that they are
acquainted with the principles which they have embraced ; and they
must, of course, exercise their discretion in the application of these
principles as cases may occur. Sessions, of course, are responsible for
the manner in which they exercise this discretion ; but the right to
exercise it is unquestionable. * * * The XVIth Article of our
Testimony lays down the general rule on the subject of communion, by
which the Cliurch is to be governed in all ordinary cases. It was not
designed to make provision for cases of an extraordinary nature. When
cases of this kind occur, Sessions, in the exercise of a wise discretion,
must dispose of them as may be for the peace and edification of the
Church. 5i^ * *
Resolved, That the XVIth Article of our Testimony defines, in a
manner sufiiciently explicit, the general law of the Church on the sub-
ject of communion, and no modification which would change its char-
acter is required at tlie present time. Vol. II, p. 488, 1868.
4. Forbearance in Love Defined. — And furtlier, she [the United
Presbyterian Churcli] iias distinctly affirmed that the forbearance in
love, which the law of God requires, is to be exercised towards those
who follow the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one
may edify another ; and not to those who determinedly oppose the
standards of the Church. And such forbearance has always been exer-
cised in both branches of the united body. Vol. I, p. 61, 1859.
While the courts of the Church may and ought to exercise forbear-
ance in love towards those who cannot fully subscribe to these declara-
tions, yet they may not tolerate determined opposition to them, or
wanton practical violation of them. Vol. I, p. 113, 1860. [Re-affirmed,
Vol. I, p. 355, 1862.]
And, finally, in the consummation of the union, in the joint action of
518 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
tlie two Synods, it is distinctly declared, in reference to that forbear-
ance which is to be exercised, that " it is agreed between the two
churches that the forbearance in love which is required by the law of
God will be exercised towards any brethren who may not be able fully
to subscribe the standards of the United Church, while they do not de-
terminedly oppose them, but follow the things whicli make for peace,
and things wherewith one may edify another."
Here it is very plainly declared that the forbearance which is to be
exercised in love is simply that which the law of God requires ; noth-
ing less ; nothing more. And does any one object to the exercise of
such forbearance ? Then, towards whom is this forbearance to be ex-
ercised ? Not towards those who are troublers of Israel; not towards
those who openly oppose the doctrines subscribed in our standards ; not
towards the advocates of error; but towards those whose minds,
though they may not be able fully to subscribe some of our distinctive
principles, are yet open to conviction; who, in the meantime, demean
themselves in an orderly manner, following the things wliich make for
peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. Vol. I, p. 118,
18G0.
In answer to the second point in the memorial, we refer the brethren
to the explicit statement made by the Assembly of 1860, Vol. I, pp.
113, 118, from which it will be seen that the foibearance intended to
be exercised in all such cases is not of that character which in any de-
gi-ee gives countenance to the advocates of error, or to tho^e who are
openly opposed to the doctrines of our standards. But at the same
time, we lay down this necessary rule as the result of that charity that
•' rejoiceth in the truth," yet " beareth long and is kind," viz.: That
those who have not such a degree of light respecting any article of our
distinctive principles as would lead them fully to embrace it, whose
minds are yet open to conviction, who are seeking to know the truth,
who are not determinedly opposing the principle, and who conduct
themselves in an orderly and Christian manner, may be admitted and
retained in the fellowship of the church. This has been the common
faith and practice of tiie bodies comprising the United Presbyterian
Church. Vol. I, p. 355, 18G2.
According to the articles of Union, tlie forbearance in love, required
by the law of God, is to be exercised toward any brethren who may not
be able fully to subscribe to all the standards of the United Church,
■while they do not determinedly oppose them, but follow the things
which make for peace and things whereby one may edify another.
Vol. VI, ]i. GG3, 1887. [See section following.]
5. The Terms of Communion may be Chang-ed.— The memor-
ial asks the following question : '' Can a minister or elder be and con-
tinue to be in good standing in the United Presbyterian Church, who
proposes or votes to overture the (juestion of expunging any article of
the Confession of Faith or of the Testimony, or any distinctive princi-
ple or ordinance of worship, held and observed by the said United Pres-
byterian Church, or who labors and votes in the Presbytery for such
overture after it has been sent down by the Assembly?"
The question of the memorialist is somewhat indefinite. We do not
regard it as wise, ordinarily, for the Assembly to decide hypothetical
THEOLOGICAL SEMINARIES. 319
cases when the existing laws of the Church are sufficient for all practical
purposes, if properly enforced.
Sec. 5, Art. IV, Chap. Y. of tlie Book of Government, reads as fol-
lows : "Before any regulation affecting the doctrine, worship or govern-
ment of the Church shall be adopted or made binding, it shall be trans-
mitted in overture to all the Presbyteries, «S:c." This language plainly
implies that such matters are subject to tlie test of overture, and anv
member of the Church has a right to proceed in an orderly manner in
the exercise of the priveleges implied in this law. And attcoVdiug to the
articles of union, the forbearance in love, required by the law of God,
is to be exercised toward any brethren who may not be able fully
to subscribe to all the standard:; of the United Church, while tliev do
not determinedly oppose tiiem, but follow the things whicli make for
peace and things whereby one may edifv another. Vol. YI, \>. GG3,
1887. ' 1 »
CXXYIII. TPTANKSGIVIXG PROCLAMATION.
[The General Assembly addressed a petition to the President of the
United .States] for the distinct acknowledgment of the Lord Jesus
Christ, the Supreme Ruler of our nation, in the proclamation which
calls us as a Christian nation people to the worship of him, in whose
presence we can find acceptance only through the mediation of the
Savior. Yol. YII, p. 422, 1890.
Inasmuch as there seems to be a studied effort upon the part of the
Chief Magistrate to ignore the name of Christ in the annual Thanks-
giving Proclamation, therefore,
Eesuh-ed, 1. That the Moderator and Clerk be instructed to issue a
Thanksgiving Proclamation in the name of Christ to whom all thanks
are due, and that the day appointed be the day chosen by the President
of the United States.
^ 2. That pastors be requested to read said proclamation from the pul-
pit in connection with the annual Thanksgiving service.
3. That a committee be appointed to bring the whole subject before
the religious bodies of the United States. Yol. YII, p. G31, 1891.
CXXIX. THEOLOGICAL SEMINARIES.
1. Theological Seminaries Under the Care of the Assembly.
— [A memonai asking the Assembly to in(|uire into the expediency of
taking the seminaries under its control and of consolidating them, was
referred to a special committee. Tiie report of this committee, which
was laid on the table, closed witii these resolutions :]
Resolved, 1. That it is inexpedient for the Assembly to take any
steps towai-d assuming the immediate supervision of the theological
seminaries of our Church.
2. That it is not expedient to consolidate the theological seminaries
into one, or even two.
3. That the Committee on Overtures be directed to report what gen-
eral rules should be adopted by the Assembly, for securing uniformity
in conducting the theological education of the Church. Yol. 1, u. 44],
1862.
320 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
[The followinof question was overtured to Presbyteries :] Sliall the
General Assembly iiave the power of establishing and regulating the
theological seminaries of the Church? Vol. I, p. oGl, 18G2. [The
vote on this overture was: Ayes, 243; nays, 230; not voting, 12.
Vol. I, p. 490, 1863.]
[The report of 1862 was taken from the table by the Assembly of
1864, Vol. II, p. 9, 1864, when the following action was taken :]
Whereas, Your committee are informed that the Book of Govern-
ment and Discipline, soon to be laid before the Assembly, contains a
declaration of principles concerning the Assembly's power over and
duties unto the theological seminaries of the Church ; therefore.
Resolved, That no action be taken by the Assembly upon this subject
until after the adoption of a Book of Government and Discipline. Vol.
II, p. 11, 1864.
The General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church, feeling
that the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom in her hands require that
the theological seminaries of the Church be under her supervision, does
hereby adopt the following as a basis of action in bringing these under
her control and direction : It belongs to the General Assembly — 1.
To determine the number and location of her seminaries. 2. To fix
and arrange the course of study. 3. To determine the number of pro-
fessorships, and designate the class of studies belonging to each. 4. To
elect the board or boards of directors, o. To fill the chairs, and fix the
salaries of the respective professors.
In case any Synod or Synods having a seminary under their care
wish to place it under the care of the General Assembly it may be done
in the following manner :
1. The constitution of said theological seminary shall remain in full
force after the transfer, until the General Assembly shall prepare and
adopt a new or an amended constitution.
2. That the board or boards of directors and trustees shall continue
the same as at the time of the transfer, until otherwise directed by the
General Assembly.
3. That the professors shall retain their respective chairs until said
chairs shall be vacated by resignation, death or removal.
4. That all moneys, obligations, stocks and property, personal and
real, belonging to such seminary, shall be transferred to the General
Assembly, to be expended in the interests of said seminary, or consoli-
dated seminary, into which it may be merged by the General Assembly.
5. That when the Synod or Synods owning such seminary shall have
complied with the above action, and have notified the princi[)al clerk of
the General Assembly of their action in this transfer, such seminary
shall be considered thenceforward under the supervision of the General
Assembly.
6. That the principal clerk shall give notice, through the papers of
the Church, of the transfer of such seminary or seminaries, when noti-
fied thereof.
7. That the respective Boards having control of the seminaries shall
be notified of this action. Vol. Ill, p. 149, 1870. [The above action
is known as the " Enabling Act."]
1. In the judgment of this Assembly, the theological seminary at
THEOLOGICAL SEMINARIES. 321
Monmouth, Ills., has complied with the conditions of the " Enabling
Act," adopted by the last Assembly, and has been placed under the con-
trol of the General Assembly ; but it is inexpedient for this Assembly
to perform any acts of government over that seminary. The Assembly,
therefore, leaves its management for the time being with its board of di-
rectors.
2. Whereas, it is questioned whether the theological seminaries at
Newburgh and Xenia have fully complied with the " Enabling Act " of
the last Assembly, this Assembly declines to recognize them as under its
control.
3. That the " Enabling Act " be continued in force, and amended so
as to provide that —
I. No seminary shall be removed from its present locality or consoli-
dated with any others without the consent of the Synod or Synods here-
tofore controlling it.
II. That the responsibility of providing for the pecuniary support of
any seminary shall not rest on the General Assembly, but each one on
its board of directors.
III. That the title to the property of each seminary shall be vested in
a board of trustees, in the place where the seminary is located, ap-
pointed by a board of directors elected by the General Assembly.
IV. In order to a complete transfer, all the property, which the Synod
or Synods controlling any seminary have a right to transfer, must be
placed under the control of the General Assembly; but no transfer shall
be deemed complete, until all the seminaries have been transferred, ac-
cording to the terms of the " Enabling Act," as hereby amended.
4. In expectation that all the seminaries of the church shall be placed
under the control of the General Assembly, this Assembly refers the
statutes reported by the joint committee to the next Assembly, and re-
quires all seminaries that may be placed under Assembly's control to re-
port to that Assembly.
5. In the judgment of this Assembly the authority vested in the Gen-
eral Assembly by the Form of Government, Art. IV, Sec. 3, includes —
I. The confirming of the election of professors by directors or Synods.
II. The fixing of the term, sessions and course of study.
III. The regulation and conduct of examinations. Vol. Ill, p. 258,
1871.
Resolved, 1. That the " Enabling Act " of the Twelfth General As-
sembly, as amended by the Thirteenth, be continued in force, in the
hope that the way may yet be made clear for placing all our seminaries
more completely under the care of the Assembly. Vol. Ill, p. 528,
1873.
Resolved, 2. That the committee be appointed, whose duty it shall be
to tender to the respective Synods, at their approaching meetings, the
provisions of the " Enabling Act" of 1870, and request favorable
action in reference to the transfer of the theological seminaries to the
care of the General Assembly. Vol. IV, p. 27, 1874.
Whereas, Six out of the eight Synods of the Church have ap-
pi'oved of the transfer of the seminaries to the control of the General
Assembly, according to the terms of the " Enabling Act" of 1870 and
1871 ; and,
21
322 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Whereas, The interest of theolojrical education of the United
Presbyterian Churcli requires such transfer : therefore,
Resolved, \. Tiiat the "Enabling Act" be recognized as still in
force.
2. That a committee of three be appointed by this Assembly to bring
the whole subject before the Synods that have not yet approved this
measure, and in case they act favorably, to report to the next Assembly
statutes for the government of the seminaries, and a plan for completing
the transfer. VoL IV, p. 185, 1875.
It appears, from tlie report of the committee placed in our hands, that
the Synod of New York judges such transfer inexpedient at the present
time. The Synod of Ohio lias given no deliverance upon the subject.
The First Synod of the West has rescinded her action, previously taken,
approving of the transfer. We recommend the following :
Resolved, That this Assembly refer the whole subject to some future
General Assembly, when the action of the Synods may appear more
favorable. Vol. IV, p. 319, 1876.
Resolved, That a Committee of five be appointed to report to the next
Assembly what steps are necessary to place our Theological Seminaries
under the control and direction of the General Assembly. Vol. VII, p.
655,1891.
2. Consolidation of Theological Seminaries.— [This subject
was discussed by a committee of the Assembly. Vol. I, p. 440, 1862.]
Resolved, That the Synods be requested to report to the next Assem-
bly, whether they are in favor of uniting the theological seminaries of
our church into one or two ; and, if in favor, then report the conditions
of such consolidation. Vol. II, p. 309, 1866. [Several Synods re-
ported, but no action seems to have been taken by the Assembly.]
3. Proposed Statutes for the Government of Theological
Seminaries. — [Such statutes were prepared by a committee appointed
for this purpose, and published by order of the Assembly. Vol. Ill, p.
258, 1871.]
4. Curriculum of Study in Theological Seminaries.— [A com-
mittee, appointed with a view ol securing uniformity in tlie curriculum
of our colleges and seminaries, presented a report to the Assembly of
1866, Vol. II, p. 308, 1866, which was recommitted. The committee
reported to the Assembly of 1867, Vol. II, p. 421, 1867, when their
report was referred to the next Assembly, by wliich it was adopted.]
Resolved, 4. Tliat the course of study shall be, —
I. The reading and critical analysis of the Bible in the original
languages, as a regular exercise throughout the whole course.
II. Biblical History and Antiquities.
III. Sacred Geography and Chronology.
IV. Ecclesiastical History and Church Government.
V. Systematic, Didactic and Polemic Theology.
VI. Sacred Rlietoric.
VII. Pastoral Tiieology.
VIII. Composition and Delivery of Discourses.
IX. Evidences of Christianity.
X. Lectures on Experimental and Practical Religion. Vol. II,
p. 487, 1868.
THEOLOGICAL SEMINARIES. 323
Besolved, 3. That the course of study should be carefully arranged so
as to include all the essential parts of a complete course, suited to the
demands of the times, of exegetical, systematic, historical and pastoral
tJieology.
4. That the professors in our seminaries be i-equested to take this
subject into immediate and careful consideration ; and, at tlieir earliest
convenience, to meet for the arrangement of such a course of study,
iind the designation of text-books to be used in it ; this meeting not to
be later than on the first Wednesday in August, so as to give due time
for doing all that may be judged practicable or desirable in the matter,
and announcing the result before the opening of tiie next session ; their
conclusions to be reported to the next Assembly for approval or amend-
ment. Vol. Ill, p. 528, 1873. [Their report was adopted as follows :]
Systematic Theology. — Resolved, 1. That it is inexpedient to
designate any special text-book in tlie department of systematic the-
ology, aside from the Scriptures and our subordinate standards, to
which, of course, constant reference should be had ; and that it is wise
to allow, in the method of instruction, a wide latitude for the individual
tastes and preferences of the professors.
2. That the entire system of theology be divided into three sections,
which shall be studied in their order, in as many sessions, so as to com-
plete, in three years, the entire regular course, and that the same
section be studied each year in all the seminaries, the first section to
close with the topic of the Divine Decrees, the second with that of the
Offices of Christ, the third to end with the close of the commonly recog-
nized system.
3. That, whereas, it is ascertained that in three of the seminaries the
second of the aforesaid sections would, according to present arrange-
ments, form the subject of instruction during the next session, therefore
that section shall be the subject of tuition in all the seminaries during
the ensuing regular session.
Church Government and History Resolved, 1. That the at-
tention of the students during the first session be occupied with the
history of the Old Testament Church ; during the second, the organi-
zation of the New Testament Church and its history to the Reformation ;
and during the third, the Reformation and the history following to the
present time.
2. That the Bible, with Kurtz, or such other works as may be con-
sidered useful in different parts of the course, be used as text-books.
Biblical Criticism and Hermeneutics Resolved, 1. That as
far as possible the Greek Testament shall be read over in the course of
three years — the gospels forming the section for the first year ; the
Acts, with the Epistles to the Romans and the Corinthians for the
second year ; and thence to the close of the New Testament, for the
third year ; and that, in addition, certain portions be selected, each ses-
sion, for particular exegetical examination.
2. That, in view of present arrangements in the seminaries, the
second of the foregoing sections shall form the subject of study for the
ensuing session.
3. That the reading of the Hebrew Scriptures shall be in the follow-
ing order of sections, namely : The historical books in the first session ;
324 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
the books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solo-
mon in the second, and the remaining books in the third session — the
professors to exercise their discretion in selecting from time to time
portions within tiie divisions just specified, and that the first section
furnish the subject of study during the ensuing session,
4. That in the department of biblical criticism and hermeneutics, the
professor shall, by lectures or otherwise, labor to familiarize the students
under th^ir care v^ith the great questions claiming consideration in con-
nection with these subjects.
Pastoral Theology Resolved, That in the department of pas-
toral theology the course shall be divided into three parts, one for each
session, in the following order, namely : For the first year the Directory
for Church Government ; for the second year homiletics; it being un-
derstood, however, that each student shall have exercises in the compo-
sition and delivery of sermons, in reading and public speaking, through
the whole course of the seminary ; and for the third, the Directory for
Worship and tbe pastoral work generally.
Advanced Course. — Resolved, That the licentiates shall be re-
quired to give special attention to present forms of skepticism and
unbelief, church discipline, exercises in sacred rhetoric, and whatever
else may be needed to complete their seminary training for the work of
the ministry in both the home and foreign fields. Vol. IV, p. 87, 1874.
0. Additions to the Curriculum. — Resolved, l. That the proper
professors in our Theological Seminaries be requested to give due atten-
tion to the instruction of the students iri the nature, duties and respon-
sibilities of the office of the ruling elder. Vol. V, p. 20, 1879.
G. That the Directors of our Theological Seminaries be directed to
make suitable provision for the special training of the theological stu-
dents for Sabbath-school work, Vr.l. VII, p. 230, 1889.
That a committee be appointed by this Assembly, to consider plans
for securing additional training of students in the seminaries for evan-
gelistic work, and report upon the same to the Synods having oversight
of the seminaries and to the next General Assembly. Vol. VII, p. 653,
1891.
6. Term of Study in Theological Seminaries. — Resolved, l.
That the term of study in our theological seminaries shall be three years,
and the length of the sessions seven months, commencing on the first
Tuesday of Septeml)er, and terminating on the fourth Thursday of
March. Vol. II, p. 486, 1868.
Resolved, 6. That the term of study in all our seminaries shall be
four annual sessions of six months each, beginning on the first Tuesday
of October, annually, and that Presbyteries should enjoin on their stu-
dents and secure from them, all reasonable diligence in study during the
the vacations of the seminaries. Vol. Ill, p. 258, 1871.
Resolved, 1. That this General Assembly hereby modifies the regula-
tions adopted by the last General Assembly requiring four terms of the-
ological study of six months each, by substituting three terms of seven
months each, and an advanced course, which shall be optional for stu-
dents of the fourth year. Vol. Ill, p. 422, 1872.
Resolved, 1. That the term of study prior to licensure in our semin-
aries be three years of seven months each, beginning on the first Wed-
nesday of October.
TOBACCO. 325
2. That for the benefit of licentiates who have gone through the
aforesaid term, there shall be an advanced course of three months,
beginning on the first Wednesday of October. Vol. IV, p. 86, 1874.
Resolved, That hereafter the seminary sessions begin on the first
Wednesday of September, and continue seven months. Vol. IV d.
319, 1876. ' ^
Resolved, That the term of study hereafter in the Tiieological Semin-
aries of the United Presbyterian Church shall be three years of eight
montlis each, beginning with the first Wednesday of September, and
ending with the last Wednesday of April. Vol. VII, p. 432, 1890.
See Licensure, Sec. 4.
7. Examination of Students in Theological Seminaries.—
Resolved, 5. That the examination in our seminaries be conducted with
written questions, to be prepared for each seminary under the direction
of its board of superintendents; these questions for each session, to
cover the subjects studied in it, and to be put into the hands of the stu-
dents at its close for written answers, and that for an approved examin-
ation satisfactory answers to at least two-thirds of the questions proposed
be required. In cases of failure, a second examination may be allowed
at a convenient time. Vol. Ill, p. 528, 1873.
8. The Election of Theological Professors.— [The Synod of
Ts'ew York and the Second Synod interpreted the action of the Assem-
bly of 1871 [5: 1, above,] as requiring tlie election of professors in the
Theological Seminaries to be reported to the General Assembly for con-
firmation, and reported their action in the election of professors in their
seminaries. The action of these synods was confirmed by the General
Assembly.] Vol. Ill, p. 381, 1872.
^ [The election of three professors in the Theological Seminary at
Xenia was reported by the Second Synod, and the election to their re-
spective chairs was confirmed.] Vol. IV, p. 319, 1876.
[The Managers of the Xenia Theological Seminary reported the
election of a professor, and the Assembly confirmed the election.] Vol.
V, p. 179, 1880. -■
[The Managers of the Xenia Theological Seminary reported the elec-
tion of a professor.] This report was received and ordered to be printed
in the minutes. [The following also was adopted :]
Resolved, It is not required of the Board of Managers of our Semin-
aries to report the election 'of professsors to the General Assembly.
Vol. VII, pp. 402, 418, 1890.
CXXX. TOBACCO.
The Use of T!obd,QCO.— Resolved, That the use of tobacco is de-
moralizing in its tendency, and should, therefore, be discountenanced
by all who profess the Christian religion. Vol. Ill, p. 159, 1870.
Tlie memorial of certain ladies of Monmouth, in reference to the use
of tobacco, presents a matter of great importance, and one worthy of
the serious consideration of this Assembly ; therefore.
Resolved, That this Assembly heartily endorse the sentiments set
forth in the memorial ; that we hail this memorial as the harbinger of a
better day, we trust not far distant, when the energies of the church
326 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
shall be turned against the use of tobacco, as they are now against the
use of intoxicating liquors ; and that said memorial be published in the
papers of the church. Vol. IV, p. 42, 1874.
[In view of the above action the General Assembly of 1879, Vol. V,
p. 41, declared futher action unnecessary.]
[Eighteen Presbyteries asked that licensure be refused to students of
Theology who are addicted to the use of tobacco in any form, one asked
for the same rule in the ordination of ruling elders, and one asked for
measures to secure abstinence from the use of tobacco and the cessation
of its sale by merchants. The Assembly refused the prayers of the
memorialists on the ground that it had not the legal power to enact the
exclusive rule asked for, and adopted the following :]
Believing the use of tobacco to be an evil, harmful to the body, a
waste of God-given substance, and that in many cases it seriously im-
pairs usefulness ; therefore, we would
1. Earnestly and affectionately exhort all ministers, elders, licentiates
and students of theology, who are addicted to this habit, to discontinue
it and thus " abstain from all appearance of [this] evil."
2. We would urge all officers in the Church, and all heads of
families and all who have the care of the youth of the Church, to use
every possible influence to restrain the young from forming a taste for
tobacco.
3. We would finally ask all under our care who are engaged in rais-
ing, manufacturing or selling tobacco, in any form, whether they can
glorify God by so doing, and if they cannot, then we say, " Brethren,
cease to do evil and learn to do well." Vol. VII, p. 17, 1888.
In view of the large vote on the overtures against tobacco, [see be-
low] and the growing conviction that the use of tobacco in any form is
injurious to mind and body, and damaging to the moral sensibilities ;
that it is an evil example to the young, a sinful waste of money, and
specially unseemly in ministers of the gospel ; therefore.
Resolved, 1. That Presbyteries be instructed to look carefully to this
matter in the training of candidates for the ministry, and to take the
use of tobacco into serious consideration in determining their fitness for
that holy office.
2. That our Ruling Elders be admonished to consider the influence
of their example in this matter upon those over whom the Holy Ghost
has made them overseers, and that those who in future are called to that
office be earnestly exhorted to abstain from this evil.
3. That pastors and sessions be instructed to urge upon all our peo-
ple the propriety and duty of abstaining from the use of tobacco in any
form. Vol. VII, p. 432, 1890.
[The Presbytery of Central Illinois asked for an overture looking to
the prohibition of the use of tobacco by the members of the Church.
The memorial was not granted. Vol. VII, p. 414, 1890.]
2. Overture on Licensing and Ordaining Students who Use
Tobacco. — [The Presbytery of Conemaugh memorialized the Assembly
to submit an overture concerning the licensure and ordination of
.students, and the ordination of elders-elect who use tobacco. In view,
also, of the number of memorials presented to the preceding Assembly
on the subject, the General Assembly submitted in overture the follow-
ing amendment to the Book of Government :]
TREASURERS. 327
Add to Part II, Chapter Y, Sec. 2. tlie following: " No student who
is addicted to the use of tobacco in any form shall be admitted to license."
Vol. VII, p. 217, 1889.
[The vote on this overture was :] Ayes, 435 ; noes, 518. Therefore,
Resolved, Tiiat the overture is not adopted. Vol. VII, p. 414, 1890.
3. Overture on the Ordination of Elders elect who Use To-
bacco.— [In response to the memorial as above stated and in connec-
tion with the overture relating to students of theology, the General As-
sembly submitted the following overture as to the ordination of persons
to the eldership who use tobacco:]
Add to Part II, Chap. VII, Art. I, Sec. 4. the following: "No one
shall be eligible to the office of ruling elder who is addicted to the use
of tobacco in any form." Vol. VII, p. 218, 1889.
[The vote on this overture was :] Ayes, 322 ; noes, 631. Therefore,
Resolved, That this overture is not adopted. Vol. VII, p. 414, 1890.
[A resolution on the use of tobacco by ministers, elders and students
was referred to the Committee on Bills and Overtures. For the re-
port on it, see Vol. VII, p. 432, 1890 ; Sec. 1, above.]
CXXXI. TREASURERS.
1. The Treasurer of the Assembly to Attend all Meetings
of the Assembly. — Resolved, That the Treasurer of the Assembly be
requested to attend, if possible, all the meetings of the General Assem-
bly. Vol. VI, p. 432, 1886.
2. Treasurer of the Assembly, pro tern. — The Principal Clerk
was directed to act as Treasurer pro tern., when the Treasurer of the
General Assembly was absent. Vol. IV, p. 434, 1877.
2. The Election and Duties of the Treasurers of the Boards.
— 3. The several Boards shall elect annually all other necessary officers,
[«'. e. all officers except the corresponding secretary,] and shall require
such security of their treasurers as may in each case be judged neces-
sary.
7. The treasurers of the different Boards shall keep accounts, in
proper form, of all moneys, whether for the general work, or special
funds, and shall, through the Board, report annually to the General
Assembly the exact condition of the several funds, giving a detailed
and classified statement of all receipts and disbursements, which shall
be published in the minutes of the General Assembly. Vol. IV, p. 22,
1874.
3. The Treasurers to Keep Their Accounts with Presby-
teries, and Not with Congregations. — Resolved, 6. That our
treasurers be recommended to keep their accounts of moneys received,
except in special cases, with Presbyteries, through the financial agents,
returning their receipts to the financial agents from the bounds of
whose Presbyteries the funds are contributed.
7. That financial agents be directed to cease, except in special cases,
asking the treasurers to credit particular churches and individuals, and
to ask only that funds be accredited to their several Presbyteries. Vol.
I, p. 494, 1863.
Resolved, That congregations or individuals, forwarding subscriptions
328 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OP THE ASSEMBLY.
to the various Boards, should do so through the financial agents of
their respective Presbyteries, and that the treasurers of such Boards
acknowledge the same as received from such Presbyteries. Vol. II, p.
162, 1865.
[It was ordered. Vol. II, p. 322, 1866, that the treasurers publish
their receipts monthly in the papers of the Church. This was made
the special duty of financial agents,] and that it be not part of the duty
of tlie general treasurers to publish receipts of funds. Vol. Ill, p. 416,
1872.
3. Reports of the Treasurers to the General Assembly.—
The General Assembly gave order that the committee on Finance pre-
pare a summary of the reports of the treasurers for publication in the
minutes. Vol. II, p. 21, 18G4.
Resolved, 2. That tiiey [the treasurers] report to the Assembly only
the summaries of receipts, so as to sliow the amount received from each
Presbytery and from legacies and special donations, and also of ex-
penditures under general heads ; as salaries, buildings, traveling ex-
penses, &c., so as to show clearly the use made of the money intrusted
to their care. Vol. II, p. 322, 1866.
[Similar action was taken. Vol. Ill, p. 416, 1872.]
[The treasurers were instructed to present to the Assembly classified
reports. Vol. Ill, p. 416, 1872. Order was given that they present
printed classified reports. Vol. Ill, p. 533, 1873.]
[The treasurers wf're instructed to furnish the clerks of the Assembly
with a classified report of receipts and payments, for publication in the
niinutes, within two weeks of tiie adjournment of the Assembly. Vol.
IV, p. 21, 1874.] [This summary has been forwarded to the General
Assembly in place of the detailed report, and printed in the appendix
to tiie minutes.]
Resolved, 7. That the Boards of our church, their treasurers and all
who have the handling of the moneys of the church, be and they here-
by are directed hereafter to conform to the established rules of the
Assembly, which require them to make annual reports, with itemized
statements therein, of all their receipts and disbursements of money dur-
ing the year, and that said reports shall be audited by at least two of
the members of each Board before they are presentable to the General
Assembly, and we recommend that said itemized reports be published
for the information and encouragement of the church. Vol. V, p. 199,
1880.
6. The Reports of the Treasurers to be kudiitQCi.— Resolved, 2.
That the accounts of each Board shall be audited by not less than two
members of the Board, and that vouchers shall, in all cases, accompany
the reports. Vol. Ill, p. 23, 1869.
Resolved, 4. That, hereafter, all the Boards of the church be re-
quested to conform to the direction of the Assembly, in reference to the
auditing of their treasurers' reports. Vol. IV, p. 21, 1874.
It sliall be the duty of each Board to audit its treasurer's accounts at
the close of each year. Vol. IV, p. 22, 1874.
7. That said [annual] reports shall be audited by at least two mem-
bers of the Board before they are presentable to the General Assembly.
Vol. V, p. 199, 1880.
TRUSTEES OF THE GENERAL ASSEAIBLY. 329
7. Treasurers to Keep Bequests and Permanent Funds In-
vested.— Resolved, 5. That all Treasurers and other custodians of
Church funds be and they hereby are directed to keep all moneys and
financial securities invested in United States bonds or otiier undoubted
and equally safe securities, such as can at all times on short notice be
converted into cash.
6. That while the will and directions of all donors should be strictly
respected and explicitly obeyed in regard to the disposition of all lega-
cies, bequests and donations of all kinds, we recommend and direct that
all moneys belonging to the Church, which are not accompanied by
limitations or restrictions, shall be kept for the use of the Church, in-
vested in such available securities as can on short notice be converted
into cash. Vol. V, p. 19'J, 1880.
CXXXII. TRUSTEES OF CONGREGATIONS.
1 . The Relation of Trustees and Sessions to Church Prop-
erty.— Resolved, That a committee be appointed by this Assembly,
M'ho shall have prepared and presented to the next General Assembly a
paper defining these offices in their relation to any Church over which
they are placed, and their power to control its property and temporal-
ities generally. Vol. Ill, p. 389, 1872.
[For the report of this committee, see Church Property, Sections 3
and 4.]
2. The Trustees Must be Members of the Congregation.—
Resolved, 4. That in every Church the trustees shall be in full com-
munion with the Church, and that the use of the Church building for
public worship and other meetings, shall be under the direction and
control of the Session of the Church. Vol. Ill, p. 523, 1873.
3. Trustees May be Chosen to Hold Church Property.— i?e-
solved, 3. That there is nothing in the constitution of the Church for-
bidding the appointment of trustees for the management of Church
property under the restrictions of the Assembly of 1873. Vol. V, p.
194, 1880. See Deacons, Sec. 1.
CXXXIII. TRUSTEES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
The Duties of the Trustees of the General Assembly.— i?e-
solved, 1. That a committee consisting of one from each Synod be ap-
pointed to nominate * * * persons to be elected a Board of Trustees
of the General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church of North
America. It shall be the duty of said Trustees to act as corporators,
who shall take the proper steps to procure from the State of Pennsyl-
vania articles of incorporation for said General Assembly, under which
said Trustees shall hold in trust, for the use and benefit of the several
funds of the church, all lands, tenements, permanent funds and other
property, under the supervision and direction of the General Assembly.
2. That said Trustees be requested, as soon as possible, to prepare,
under good legal counsel, in conformity to the laws of the States, blank
forms for bequests to the various funds of the church, and that they
shall secure their permanent publication in all the periodicals of the
330 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
church, in connection witli a full statement of all the benevolent objects
to which the churcii is expected to contribute. Vol. I, p. 37, 1859.
[For the act of incorporation, see General Assembly.]
2. The Trustees to Secure the Claims of the Board of Church
Extension. — From the statement of the Board of Church Extension,
it appears that in some cases the title to tlie property of congregations
and missions, aided by tlie Board, is vested in the Trustees of the Gen-
eral Assembly ; and the Board is, therefore, without direct security for
its claims; therefore,
Resolved, That the following regulations be made :
1st. That tlie trustees of the General Assembly carefully protect all the
interests of the Board of Ciiurch Extension, in the properties to which
they hold the title.
2d. That the Trustees of the General Assembly shall transfer all the
proceeds of the sales of church property to the Board of Church Ex-
tension, that they may be applied to the same general Avork lor which
the money was at first contributed. Vol. V, p. 742, 1883.
3. The Trustees to Take Action to Retain Church Property.
— Resolved, 7. That this Assembly direct the Board of Church Exten-
sion, or tiie Trustees of the General Assembly when the Board of
Church Extension is prevented by law from taking the necessary ac-
tion, to act promptly in the name of the Church in all cases where, in
their judgment, counsel and financial help are necessary to secure the
use of and retain the propertv of the United Presbyterian Church.
Vol. VII, p. 413, 1890.
CXXXIV. UNION OF ASSOCIATE AND ASSOCIATE
REFORMED CHURCHES.
Union of the Associate and Associate Reformed Churches. —
[At different times, the Associate Synod and the Associate Reformed
General Synod entered into correspondence with reference to a union,
but without definite results. At lengtii a basis of union was prepared
by a convention of members of the Reformed Churches, held in Pitts-
burgh, Pa., April 11, 1855, and was submitted to their respective
Synods. Evangelical Repositor}', 1855, p. 641. It was amended and
adopted by tlie General Synod of the Associate Reformed Church.
Minutes, 1855, pp. 29, 30, 33, 34. For the basis thus amended, see
minutes of the Associate Synod, 1855, pp. 109-111. In the Associate
Synod the following action was taken :
" Resolved, 1. Tiiat the cliurch of Jesus Christ is bound, as a faithful
witness for tlie truth, to exhibit plainly and explicitly all the principles
of her public profession in a creed or confession, and that there are
times when these jirinciples are assailed and misrepresented, when it
becomes the duty of the church to declare, explain and defend them by
the emission of a testimony, Avhich latter is to be made a term of com-
munion only so far as it contains the principles of the church's confes-
sion, and is necessary or useful in ascertaining and determining what
the true principles of the confession are.
"2. That in addition to the above principles we express our hearty
approbation of the distinctive testimony-bearing of our forefathers of the
UNION OF ASSOCIATE AND ASSOCIATE REFORMED CHURCHES. 331
Secession in Scotland, and, also, particularly in this country, our firm
adherence to the same duty, and belief that there are, now at least, as
great causes for the duty as formerly.
" 3. That, in the judgment of this Synod, the proposal of the Pitts-
burgh convention, to carry with them the Testimony of the Associate
Church, the occasional testimonies of the Associate Reformed Church,
with other documents issued by these churches, out of all which there
should be hereafter prepared fixed standards, leaves the principles of
the church uncertain, and in a state of imminent peril.
" 4. That we judge it premature to overture the said basis ; but we
are willing to continue our correspondence with these brethren for the
purpose of preparing permanent standards for the church, of which the
articles agreed upon at Pittsburg shall constitute a part.
" 5. That in accordance with the mutual agreement and understand-
ing of the Associate and Associate Reformed Synods, respecting the
matter of a testimony for the United Church, besides the subject em-
braced in the five articles recently adopted at Pittsburg, we present the
following additional subjects, on which articles should be prepared for
insertion in the Testimony, viz.: The Plenary Inspiration of the Scrip-
tures ; the Sonship and Deity ol Christ ; the Covenant of Works ; the
Fall of Man ; the Obligation of the Covenant of Works upon Men in
their Natural Estate ; the Suretyship and Satisfaction of Christ ; the
Nature of Faith and Repentance ; the Gospel Offer ; Imputed Right-
eousness for Justification ; Believer's Deliverance from the Law ; the
Work of the Holy Spirit, and the Headship of Christ." 1855, p. 109.
The following resolutions were also adopted :
^^ Resolved, 1. That the Synod approves of the five articles on
Psalmody, Communion, Slave-holding, Covenanting, and Secret Socie-
ties, adopted by the convention in Pittsburgh, as amended on the arti-
cle on Secret Societies, by substituting, " members of this Church shall
have no fellowship," etc., instead of" members of the Church should,"
etc., as suitable to be incorporated in the testimony of the United
Church.
" 2. That a committee of three be appointed to prepare a testimony
embracing the articles of the convention, and such others as they may
deem necessary, and that said committee be empowered to correspond
with the delegates of the Associate Reformed Church, and General
Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Ciiurch, and that the committee
report on the first day of the next meeting of Synod." 1855, p. 111.
The basis prepared by this committee was amended, and the follow-
ing action was taken : Ayes, 110 ; nays, 19.
" Resolved, 1. That we approve of the Testimony as amended, as a
basis of union with the Associate Reformed and the other sister Church
■with which we have been negotiating for union.
" 2. That it be transmitted to the Associate Reformed Synod, and if
approved by them, sent down in overture to the Presbyteries and
Sessions, to report thereon at the next meeting of the Synod. 1856, p.
98.
The General Synod of the Associate Reformed Church took the fol-
lowing action, one vote being recorded in the negative :
" Whereas, The Union of the different portions of the Church of
332 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY,
Christ in one body, as far as practicable, is a most desirable object ;
and,
" Whereas, The Associate Presbj'terian Church has presented to
this Synod a basis of" union, on which it is proposed to unite these two
Churches in one body ; and,
" Whereas, This document, though it may contain some things in
relation to which there is some diversity of opinion among brethren
who are united in their adherence to the great truths of the Gospel, and
which, therefore, might properly be made matters of forbearance; yet
as the declarations, which are the terms of communion, contain
nothing which is inconsistent with our ecclesiastical standards ; there-
fore,
" Resolved, That this basis be cordially recommended to the prayer-
ful consideration of tlie Presbyteries under our care, that they may re-
port their judgment thereon, either adopting it as it is, or proposing
such amendments as may seem to them necessar3\ to render it more
perfect." 1856, p. 13.
For the votes of the Presbyteries on this overture, see Associate
Synod, 1857, p. 75 ; Associate Reformed General Synod, 1857, pp.
23-25.
Tiie Associate Synod took the following action : Ayes, 104 ; nays,
13 ; not voting, 10.
"Whereas, A large majority of the Presbyteries are in favor of
adopting, even though no amendments be made ; therefore,
" Resolved, I. Tiiat the basis be and hereby is adopted as a basis
of union with the Associate Reformed Church ; the declarations
without amendment, and the argument and illustration in their
amended form.
'' 2. That it be transmitted to the Associate Reformed Synod for
their concurrence." 1857, p. 76.
This action, as submitted to the General Synod of the Associate Re-
formed Church, contained the following additional words : " As a
guide to the meaning of the declarations ;" the committee being well
assured that they had been adopted, although not found in the official
record. 1857, p. 76, wo?e.
The General Synod of the Associate Reformed Church, adopted the
following: Ayes, 66; nays, 36 ; not voting, 7.
" Whereas, The consummation of a union of the Associate and As-
sociate Reformed Presbyterian Churches is a high duty and of great
importance to the maintenance of the peculiar principles held in com-
mon by these churches; and,
"Whereas, The Testimony proposed to us by the Associate Church
as a basis of union contains no principle which is not already embodied
in the standards of the Associate Reformed Church, or has in some
form received her sanction ; and,
"Whereas, It is not doubted that the wisdom of the United Church
will effect any modification of the Form of Church Government, or the
Directory for Worship of the Westminster standards, necessary to har-
monize them with the common faith and practice of the two churches,
or any desirable modification of the formula of questions to applicants ;
and,
UNION OF ASSOCIATE AND ASSOCIATE REFORMED CHURCHES. 333
Whereas, A majority of the Presbyteries of the Associate Re-
formed Church have declared themselves in favor of receiving the basis
as it is, rather than to fail of obtaining this union ; and,
"Whereas, It is believed that the great mass of the people in both
of these churches anxiously desire it ; and that their spiritual interests
urgently require its speedy consummation ; and,
"Whereas, Finally, it is to be feared that if the present overture
should be rejected, the accomplishment of this object will be long post-
poned, and the heart-burnings and contentions between these churches,
in former years, be to some extent revived, and similar evils be pro-
duced among ourselves ; therefore,
^^ Resolved, 1. That the Associate Reformed Church does hereby de-
clare her acceptance of the Testimony prosposed as a basis of union by
the Associate Synod, and overtured by the General Synod of 1856 to
the Presbyteries, in the confidence that any modifications or amend-
ments necessary to harmonize said basis with the faith and practice held
in common by the two churches, or render it more entirely acceptable,
will be in due time effected by the United Church ; and in the confi-
dence that reasonable forbearance will be exercised towards any mem-
ber of either body that may feel constrained to dissent from any article
in the basis.
" 2. That a committee of one minister from each subordinate Synod
be appointed to communicate this action to the Associate Synod, and in
conjunction with a similar committee of that Synod, if it shall see proper
to appoint one, to agree upon and recommend the necessary measures
for the immediate consummation of this union." 1857, p. 11.
The General Synod also adopted the amendments to the basis sub-
mitted by the Associate Synod, 1857, pp. 12-20.
This action of General Synod being received, the Associate Synod
adopted the following :
"Whereas, The General Synod of the Asssociate Reformed Church
has accepted the basis which has been in overture, as a basis of union j
and
"Whereas, They have repeatedly re-affirmed that the doctrines
contained in this Testimony are those to which they adhere; and,
" Whereas, We believe the time has arrived, in the good providence
of God, when the unhappy division which has long separated these
sister churches should be healed; therefore,
" Hesolved, 1. That we cordially reciprocate the confidence expressed
by these brethren respecting mutual forbearance, it being distinctly un-
derstood that under the plea of reasonable forbearance no one be per-
mitted to teach or to act in opposition to the doctrine of the United
Church.
" 2. That a committee of five be appointed by this Synod, to act con-
jointly with any committee of the Associate Reformed Synod, and em-
powered to make all necessary arrangements as to time, place and man-
ner for the final consummation of this union.
" 3. That we have great reason to express our gratitude to God who
has led these churches to such a happy result in their efforts for union."
1857, p. 85.
And also the followin"; resolutions :
334 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
" Whereas, The union of the Reformed churches has been for many
years the subject of very serious and prayerful consideration, botli with
individuals and churcii courts, which we trust has been blessed of God
to the end of affecting such a degree of Christian unity as warrants
their union in one body ; therefore,
" Resolved, 1. That witliout reference to any past deliverances of either
of tliese bodies, any farther than said deliverances indicate our oneness,
we hereby agree to unite on the Westminster Confession of Faitii re-
ceived in the Testimony of the United Church, Catechisms, Larger and
Shorter, Form of Presbyterial Church Government and Directory for
the worship of God, witii such modifications as may be found necessary
from the word of God, together with the testimony technically known as
the Basis of Union, as the doctrinal standard and terms of communion
of the United Church.
" 2. That in respect to any brethren now in either of these Churches
who may not be able fully to subscribe these standards, forbearance in
love is required by tiie law of God, while they do not openly oppose,
but practically conform themselves to those standards, and follow the
things that make for peace, and the things whereby one may edify
another." 1858, p. 67.
Also, as explanatory of the action taken :
" Resolved, That as there is, in the preamble to the resolutions for
the consummation of the union, a reference to former deeds of the two
Synods, which, in the view of some, might be understood as limiting
our acceptance of the basis as a term of communion in the United
Church, we hereby disclaim any such interpretation of it, and declare
that our union with the General Associate Reformed Synod shall be
predicated upon this understanding of said preamble." 1858, p. 72.
The report of the joint committee was amended and adopted by each
Synod, and is known as The Adopting Act. In the Associate
Synod the vote on the first part of the preamble was, ayes, 117 ; nays,
44 ; not voting, 7. Of those voting in the negative, nine afterwards
formally withdrew their dissent. 1858, pp. G6, 78, 85. The final vote
in the General Synod of the Associate Reformed Church was, ayes, 93 ;
nays, 4. The Adopting Act is as follows :
" Whereas, It is understood that the Testimony submitted to the
General Synod of the Associate Reformed Church, by the Associate
Synod, was proposed and accepted as a term of communion, on the
adoption of which, the union of the two churches was to be consum-
mated ; and,
" Whereas, It is agreed between the two churches that the forbear-
ance in love which is required by the law of God will be exercised to-
wards any brethren who may not be able fully to subscribe the stand-
ards of the United Church, while they do not determinedly oppose
them, but follow the things which make for peace, and things whereby
one may edify another ;
" Resolved, 1. That these churches, when united, shall be called
' The United Presbyterian Church of North America.'
" 2. That the respective Presbyteries of these churches shall remain
as at present constituted, until otherwise ordered, as convenience shall
fiuggest.
UNION OF ASSOCIATE AND ASSOCIATE REFORMED CHURCHES. 335
" 3. That tlie Supreme Court of this Church shall be a General As-
sembly, to meet annually, to be composed of delegates from the respec-
tive Presbyterie'*, the number of delegates to be according to the pro-
portion of the members constituting eacli Presbytery, as now fixed by
the rules of the Associate Reformed Church, until a change shall be
found expedient.
" 4. That there shall be subordinate Synods, and these shall be the
same as those now existing in the Associate Reformed Cliurch, to which
Synods the different Presbyteries in the Associate Churcli shall attach
themselves for the present, according to their location, provided that the
separate Synods and Presbyteries of the said Associate Reformed and
Associate Cliurclies shall also continue as at present constituted, until
otherwise directed.
" 5. That the General and subordinate Synods shall be regulated ac-
cording to the rules presently in force in the Associate Reformed Church,
until the United Church shall see fit to alter such rules.
" 6. Tiiat the different Boards and institutions of the respective
churches shall not be affected by this union, but shall have the control
of their funds and retain all their corporate, or other rights and privi-
leges, until the interests of the church shall require a change.
" 7. That these and other regulations found necessary, being agreed
upon by the respective Synods at the present meeting in the city of
Allegheny, the two Synods shall meet at such a place as shall mutually
be agreed upon, and after addresses by Dr. Rodgers, Dr. Pressly, Rev.
Mr. Smart and Rev. Mr. Prestley, be constituted with prayer by the
senior moderator, after which a moderator and clerk shall be chosen by
the United Church." Associate Synod, 1858, p. 77 ; Associate Re-
formed General Synod, 1858, p. 29.
The arrangements for the formal consummation of the union, pre-
pared by a joint committee, were adopted by each Synod, and also
the following in relation to the meeting of the first General Assembly :
" Resolved, 3, That the first United General Synod be held in Xenia,
Ohio, on the third Wednesday of May, 1859, at 7^ o'clock, P. M."
Associate Synod, 1858, p. 75 ; Associate Reformed General Synod,
1858, p. 33.]
In pursuance of the joint action of the Associate Reformed and
Associate Synods on the subject of union, these Synods met on the 26th
of May, 1858, in the City Hall, Pittsburgh, for the consummation of
their union.
Having adjourned at their respective places of meeting, the two Syn-
ods met at the corner of Smithfield street and Seventh avenue, and
marched in procession to City Hall in double file — one consisting
of the members of the Associate Reformed Synod and tlie other of the
members of the Associate Synod. In the Hall, the services were intro-
troduced with an earnest and impressive prayer by Rev. Jos-^ph T.
Cooper, D. D.
After some time spent in hearing addresses suited to the occasion by
Drs. Rodgers and Pressly, and Revs. J. Smart and J. Prestley, and in
prayer and praise. Rev. Donald C. McLaren, D. D., moderator of the
Associate Reformed General Synod, on motion to that effect, extended,
in the name of his brethren, to Rev. Joseph T. Cooper, D. D., moder-
336 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
ator of the Associate Synod, the right hand of fellowship, accompany-
ing the action with a brief and very appropriate address, to which the
latter made an impressive response.
The tirst Synod of the United Presbyterian Church was then, accord-
ing to the previous arrangement, constituted with payer by Dr. McLaren
— tlie senior of the two moderators.
Rev. John T. Pressly, D. D., was chosen moderator, and Rev. Sam-
uel Wilson, clerk, pro tern.
On motion of Rev. J. P. Smart, the Synod adjourned to meet in
Xenia, on the third Wednesday of May, 1859, at 7^ o'clock, P. M.
Closed with the benediction by the moderator. Associate Synod,
1858, p. 100. Associate Reformed General Synod. 1858, p. 64.
CXXXV. UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
1. Organization of the United Presbyterian Church.— See
Union of the Associate and Associate Reformed Churches.
2. Identity of the United Presbyterian Church with its Pre-
decessors.— Certain persons who refused to enter the union of 1858,
and commonly known as the "Protesters," entered suit against the ex-
ecutors of the will of Daniel Speers for the possession of his estate. By
a decision of the Orphans' Court of Allegheny county, Pa., affirmed by
the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, November 18, 1878, tiie United
Presbyterian Church of North America was declared to be the legiti-
mate successor of the Associate Church, so far as rights of property and
trust relations are concerned, and the executors were ordered to pay the
funds accruing from the Speers estate to " the Trustees of the Synod of
the Associate Church of North America, subject to the control of the
United Presbyterian Church of North America, for tlie purpose of the
trust created by the will of Daniel Speers, deceased." Vol. VII, p. 509,
1890.
Robert Mackey, of Guernsey county, O., by will executed May 17,
1856, made certain bequests to the General Synod of the Associate Re-
formed Church and to the United Presbyterian Church of Oregon, subject
to the life use of his widow. After tlie death of tlie widow in 1884,
the heirs-at-law brought suit to recover, upon the ground that at the time
of the bringing of the suit the beneficiaries named in the will had no
legal existence, and that the union of the Associate and the Associate
Reformed Churches, under the name of the United Presbyterian Church
of North America, saved vested rights only at the time of the consoli-
dation. The Court held :
First. That by the union in 1858 of the Associate Reformed Church
and the Associate Presbyterian Church, commonly known as the " Se-
ceder Church," the Associate Reformed Church did not lose its identity ;
that the United Presbyterian Church of North America is the legiti-
mate successor to the two ecclesiastical organizations which formed the
union, and that the united bodies under the new name preserved their
ecclesiastical connection, maintained their identity, and saved all
property rights of the Associate Reformed and Associate Presbyterian
Churches.
Second, That the union of 1858 was duly accomplished in strict con-
formity with the laws of the general organisms of both churches.
UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 337
Third. That the substantial identity of the United Presbyterian
Church of North America witli, and its legitimate succession to, the
Associate Reformed Church have been conclusively established, both
by the ecclesiastical and civil courts. Identity of ownership of church
property being established, identity in trust relations necessarily fol-
lows.
The Court, therefore, awarded one-half of the fund to the trustees
appointed by the General Assembly of 188"), one-fourth to the treasurer
of the General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church, and the
remaining one-fourth to the Presbytery of Oregon, in conformity with
the true intent and meaning of the will. Vol. YI, p. 744, 1877. —
Co7npend of Legal Decisions Relating to Title to Church Property, p. 10.
3. A Committee Appointed to Prepare a History of the United
Presbyterian Church. — [In view of the approaching centennial anni-
versary of the national independence, and in accordance with the action
of other Churches, the General Assembly appointed a committee] to
prepare a complete history of the United Presbyterian Church, showing:
1. Its origin, progress and present statistics. 2. Its principles. 3. Its
home and foreign missionary work. 4. Its educational interests. Vol.
IV, p. 26, 1874.
[This committee reported to the next Assembly that meetings had
been held and arrangements made for the preparation of papers on the
subjects assigned to them, and asked that the committee be enlarged
and that provision be made for the publication of the papers. These
requests were granted.] Vol. IV, p. 187, 187o. The enlarged com-
mittee was continued and reported to the Assembly that progress
had been made. The committee was continued, and the Board of
Publication was instructed to publish the papers in a suitable volume.
Vol. IV, p. 362, 1876.
Resolved, That the committee appointed by the Eighteenth General
Assembly to prepare a history of the United Presbyterian Church, be
instructed to complete tlieir work, if it be not already done ; and that
the Board of Publication be directed to publish it without delay. Vol.
V, p. 40, 1879. [These instructions were repeated by the following
Assembly. Vol. V, p. 196, 1880. Iso later report appears.]
4. Histories of Congregations, Presb3rteries and S3mods.—
[The Permanent Committee on Old Records reported that many his-
tories of congregations, presbyteries and synods had been prepared, and
gave a list of them. Vol. IV, p. 631, 1878.]
4. That Presbyteries be instructed to see that the histories of their
congregations are collected at once, and, for the present, placed in the
keeping of the different Clerks of Presbyteries. Vol. V, p. 40, 1879.
3. The Board of Publication to Secure and Publish Old Re-
cords.— Resolved, I. Tliat the Board of Publication be instructed to
secure the records of the Associate Presbyterian, and of the Associate
Reformed Presbyterian Churches, and United Presbyterian Church.
2. That the Board be instructed to arrange for the publication of so
much of these records as may be deemed of general utility, and to pub-
lish them as soon as the funds can be procured for defraying the ex-
penses.
3. That the Board be instructed to obtain all the material that they
22
338 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLT.
can for a complete history of the United Presbyterian Church. Vol. I,
p. 223, 1861.
5. A Permanent Committee Appointed to Collect and De-
posit Old Records. — Resolved, 6. That in order to preserve the var-
ious records of the churcli from being scattered and lost, a committee
* * * be appointed to collect and deposit in some safe and conven-
ient place: 1. Tiie records of the Associate and Associate Reformed
Presbyteries and Synods as far as practicable. 2. The records of Pres-
byteries which have been dissolved. 3. All documents pertaining to the
history of our church. Vol. Ill, p, 396, 1872.
Resolved, 2. That this committee be authorized to receive and receipt
for all the records of Synods and Presbyteries formerly in connection
■with the Associate and Associate Reformed Churches which have been
dissolved, and that all persons in possession of these records be requested
to forward them at once to the chairman, or some member of the com-
mittee.
4. That this committee be directed to deposit such records and his-
torical documents as come into its hands, in the safe of the United
Presbyterian book rooms, in the city of Pittsburgh, and that the super-
intendent of these rooms be charged with their proper care and keeping.
5. That this committee be authorized to receive as a donation, or to
purchase such historical documents as in the judgment of a majority of
its members are necessary to preserve a knowledge of the planting,
growth, labors and struggles of the Associate and Associated Reformed
Churches in this country, with a view to furnishing materials for future
history, and for eft'ecting said purchases be authorized to draw through
the principal clerk upon the treasurer of the Assembly to an amount
not exceeding $75.00, as these purchases may be made. Vol. Ill, p.
517, 1873.
Resolved, 2. That the records now on hand, and those which may be
hereafter procured, be placed in the fire-proof building of the Presbyte-
rian Historical Society, when it shall be completed, for safe keeping,
and that a copy of all those which may be printed be placed in our own
publishing house. Vol. IV, p. 301, 1876.
7. Tliat the committee be directed to construct a vault for the preser-
vation of histories and records, in our Theological Seminary building at
Allegheny, or, if a suitable place can be found for it, in our Board of
Publication building in Pittsburgh, at a cost not to exceed three hundred
dollars. Vol. V, p. 40, 1879. [The use of the vault of the Board of
Publication was procured. Vol. V, p. 247, 1880.]
[The permanent committee on the preservation of old records re-
ported as follows: Vol. Ill, p. 516, 1873; Vol. IV, pp. 37, 1874 ;
227, 1875 ; 359, 1876 ; 491, 1877 ; 630, 1878 ; Vol. V, pp. 81, 1879 ;
246, 1880. The committee was discharged, inasmuch as the Assembly
lias established a historical society. Vol. V, 196, 1880.]
6. Records of Associate and Associate Reformed Presbyter-
ies and Synods. — [A list of these records and of the persons holding
them, is to be found, Vol. IV, p. 631, 1878; Vol. V, p. 81, 1879.]
3. That as the old records of the different Presbyteries and Synods,
by direction of the Assembly of 1876, are to be retained in present
hands until the work of preparing histories is completed, Presbyteries be
UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OREGON. 339
directed to a place the records of their Associate and Associate Reformed
predecessors in the possession of tlieir respective Clerks, wlio shall be
held responsible for their safe keepin^r. Vol. V, p. 40, 1879.
7. United Presbyterian Historical Society.— Resolved, 5. That
this Assembly recommend the formation of a United Presbyterian His-
torical Society, and hereby authorize the committee on old records to
organize such a society, and report to the next Assembly. Vol. IV, t).
595, 187». ■^ ^
[The committee reported that the orjranization had not been efiected,
and the Assembly renewed the action of the previous Assembly. Vol.
V, p. 40, 1879. The committee prepared a constitution for a historical
society, and reported it to the Assembly.]
Resolved, 4. That this Assembly proceed to organize a United Pres-
byterian Plistorical Society, by adopting the constitution referred to
above, and by electing nine persons to constitute a Board of Managers,
in accordance with its provisions, Vol. V, p. 196, 1880. [The consti-
tution of this society is to be found, Vol. V, p. 247, 1880. For re-
port of the Board of Managers, and by-laws, see Vol. V, p. 412, 1881.1
8. Historical Record of Organizations.— [The Second Clerk re-
ported a record of the organization of the Presbyteries and Synods of
the Asssociate and Associate Reformed Churches, Vol. IV, p. 563, 1878,
■when the following action was taken :]
Resolved, 1. That the record of organizations be printed in the ap-
pendix to the minutes. Vol. IV, p. 594, 1878. [The publication of
this record was deferred till the next year, in order to secure o-reater
completeness. It is given, Vol. V, p. 85, 1879 ; amendments, p. 255,
1880; p. 607,1882.] ' H ,
[For a historical record of the organization of the General Assembly,
of the Synods and of the Presbyteries of the United Presbyterian
Church, see Vol. V, p. 593, 1882.]
CXXXVI. UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF
OREGON.
The Associate and the Associate Reformed Presbyteries of Oregon
entered into a Union on the 20th of October, 1852, under the name of
" The United Presbyterian Church of Oregon." The Basis of Union
was : The Word of God as the only rule of faith and practice, and the
supreme and final authority for the regulation of doctrine, worship and
government ; the Westminster Confession of Faith, and Catechisms,
larger and shorter, with the judicial acts of the antecedent Churches as
valuable memorials of the zeal and fidelity of these witnesses for the
truth, that which is common to them to be regarded as the exhibition
of the faith of the United Church ; all matters of previous separation
to be held as matters of private opinion and Christian forbearance ;
the Form of Government and Directory for Worship in use by both
Churches, with such modifications as might be required by the circum-
stances of the United Church ; that a Summary of Principles agreed
upon, with the Form of Government and Directory for Worship,°shall
constitute the terms of admission to the fellowship of the United
Church ; that in the ordination of ministers and ruling elders, they shall
340 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLT.
be required to declare tlieir approbation of the entire standards of the
United Church. The Summary of Principles embraced the following
subjects : God ; The Decrees of God ; Man's Oriorinal and Fallen
State ; Redemption ; The Application of Redemption ; The Perseverance
of the Saints; The Resurrection of the Body; Practical Relijrion; The
Duties of Church Members. For the Basis in full see The Evangelical
Repository, December 1852, pp. 3G8-370 ; The Christian Instructor^
January, 1853, p. 131 ; The United Presbyterian, September 2G, 1889,
p. 614.
This Union was approved by the General Synod of the Associate
Reformed Church, Minutes, 1853, pp. 28, 29, but was disapproved by
the Associate Synod, Minutes. 1853, pp. G2, G8. This body continued as
an independent Presbytery until May 5, 1859, when it adopted the Basis
of Union of 1858, and was admitted to the jurisdiction of the General
Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church, May 25, 18G0, as the
Presbytery of Oregon, with the reserved right of final jurisdiction in
cases of discipline, and also the right of sending delegates to the Gen-
eral Assembly as it might find expedient. Vol. I, pp. 107, 188, 1860.
In the case of the contested will of Robert Mackey, the Court held
that no rights were impaired by this union with the United Presbyter-
ian Church, and that the Presbytery of Oregon is identical with " the
United Presbyterian Church of Oregon," and gave order for the pay-
ment of the bequest accordingly. Vol. VI, p. 744, 1887. See Oregon,
Presbytery of, and. United Presbyterian Church.
CXXXVII. WALDENSIAN CHURCH.
Resolved, That the Waldensian Churches and missions are earnestly
commended still to the sympathies, the prayers and the contributions of
the people iinder the care of this Assembly. Vol. V, p. 533, 1882,
["Delegates from the "Waldensian Church were received by several Assem-
blies, and in 1889 a delegate was appointed to attend the bi-centennial
celebration of "the Return." Vol. VII, p. 235, 1889.]
CXXXVIII. WEEK OF PRAYER.
I. Observance of the Week of Prayer Recommended.— i2e-
solved, 6. Feeling that God has approved and signally blessed the
exercises in connection with the world's prayer meetings, we would re-
commend that the second week of January, 1862, be spent in religious
exercises. Vol. I, p. 21 G, 1861.
• Resolved, 1. Believing that the world's prayer meetings, which have
been held by various Christian denominations for several years past,
have been productive of much good, we recommend that the second
week of January, 1863, be observed as a week of prayer by the people
under our care. Vol. I, p. 353, 1862.
Resolved, 11. That in view of the signal blessings that followed the
special season of prayer during the past winter, and the need which
there is at home and abroad for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, that
all our churches be urged to observe the week of prayer in the beginning
of 1867. Vol. II, p. 302, 18G6.
Resolved, 9. That we renew our recommendation to all our congre-
women's auxiliary board, the 341
gations to spend the first week of January in supplicating the outpour-
ing of the Divine Spirit upon the church and the world. Vol. II, p.
416, 1867.
[The General Assembly appointed a committee to prepare a program
for the Week of Prayer. Vol. VI, p. 27, 1884.]
2. One Day of the Week of Prayer Set Apart for Temper-
ance.— The Assembly petitioned the International committee ot the
Evangelical Alliance to set apart one day of the week of prayer for 1881
to be devoted to the cause of temperance. Vol. V, p, 195, 1880.
[This petition was renewed, Vol. V, p. 364, 1881; p. 534, 1882; p.
740, 1883; Vol. VI, p. 240, 1885.]
[The Assembly also gave order that if the request for one day of the
week of prayer for temperance, were not granted, the Principal Clerk
should designate one day for this purpose, and recommend its observance
by our people. Vol. V, p. 535, 1882. This act was repeated, Vol. V, p.
740, 1883, Vol. VI, p. 240, 1885.]
CXXXIX. WILSON'S APPEAL.
[For the Appeal of Rev. Samuel Wilson and others, see McCune'a
case.]
CXL. WOMEN TAKING PART IN PUBLIC RELIGIOUS
EXERCISES.
Resolved, 3. That the Assembly believes that the reading of the
Scriptures, prayer, the singing of Psalms, and earnest religious admon-
ition and rebuke, belong exclusively to no privileged class or sex, but
devolve on all members of the Church, male and female, and are to be
used for the conversion of sinners, and for the suppression of vice by all
who love the Lord Jesus Christ. Vol. IV, p. 41, 1874.
CXLI. WOMEN'S AUXILIARY BOARD, THE
The Organization of the Women's Auxiliary Board. — [The
establishment of a Women's Board was brought to the attention of the
General Assembly of 1884, which, without committing the Assembly to
the measure, appointed a committee to consider the subject, and, if the
way be clear, to report a plan for the organization to the next Assem-
bly. Vol. VI, p. 40, 1884. This committee reported that the
Women's Convention recently held had expressed itself as averse to
such an organization, and therefore no action was taken. Vol. VI, p.
298, 1885. At the third annual meeting of the Women's General
Missionary Society, the establisiiment of a Board was agreed upon, to
be styled " The Women's Auxiliary Board," " no work to be under-
taken without the advice of the regular Boards of the Church." At
the same time fifteen ladies were appointed as members of this Board.
The General Assembly adopted the following:]
Resolved, 2. That we cordially approve the purpose of the Women's
Missionary Board as auxiliary to the Boards of the General Assembly,
and to be conducted according to their concurrent advice. [At the same
time, in order to prevent confusion and the possibility of collision, the
342 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Assembly appointed a committee to confer with the members of the
Auxiliary Board in relation to their proposition, with power to draft a
constitution for such a Board, if they deem it proper, and report to
the next Assembly.] Vol. Yl, p. 436, 1886.
[This committee reported that certain amendments to the Constitu-
tion of the Women's General Missionary Society and the By-laws of
the Board had been agreed upon, and had been adopted by the General
Missionary Society. The amendments were approved by the Assembly.
Vol. VI, p. 679, 1887. By-law first of the Board was amended to
read :] " The Board shall take charge of the missionary work of the
General Society ; devise ways and means for carrying on that work i
give aid to all the various departments of missionary work undertaken
by the regular Boards of the Church, in sending out foreign mission-
aries, supporting native helpers, Bible women, and children in schools,
and supporting teachers in the home field ; and for this purpose it shall
receive and disburse all money, which sliall be contributed or placed in
its charge by auxiliary societies."
2. Relation of the Auxiliary Board to the General Assembly
and the Other Boards. — Resolved, 2. That we cordially approve the
purpose of the "Women's Missionary Board as auxiliary to tlie Boards
of the General Assembly, and to be conducted according to their con-
current advice. Vol. VI, p. 436, 1886.
Resolved, 2 . . . That the AVomen's Board be directed to report an-
nually to the Assembly. Vol. VII, p. 221, 1889.
■ [Some misapprehension as to the exact meaning of the action of the
Assembly in relation to the transfer of the medical work in the foreign
fields to the Auxiliary Board was reported as existing, and the Assem-
bly appointed a committee to report to tlie next Assembly such regula-
tions as may seem neccessary to harmonious co-operation among all
the Boards. Vol. VII, p. 428, 1890. This committee reported that
no general regulations were necessary, and submitted regulations for the
medical work in the foreign field. Vol. VII, p. 735, 1891. The As-
sembly adopted the following:]
Resolved, 2. That no action should be taken which would tend to
divide the control of the work belonging to any of the Boards of the
Church, Home or Foreign.
3. That we express the conviction that the members of the Women's
Auxiliary Board should be elected by the General Assembly in a man-
ner similar to that governing other Boards.
4. That it is the judgment of this Assembly that the Women's Mis-
sionary Board should either obtain a new charter or have its present
charter so amended that it shall be in name and in fact an Auxiliary
Board, holding all its property in trust for the United Presbyterian
Church, and subject to the direction, disposition and control of the Gen-
ieral Assembly ot the United Presbyterian Church, said property to in-
ure to the trustees of the General Assembly of said Church.
5. That a Committee of five be appointed to confer with the Women's
Board to more clearly define the relation of the Women's Board to the
General Assembly and to the other Boards, in keeping with the fore-
going recommendations. Vol. VII, p. 642, 1891.
women's general missionary society. 343
CXLII. WOMEN'S GENERAL MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
1. The Organization of the General Missionary Society. —
[Missionary societies were ul first organized cliifctly for the support of
the foreign mission work, and received the commendation of the Gen-
eral Assembly. Vol. Ill, p. 407, 1872 ; Vol. IV, p. 36, 1874; p. 182,
1875. Mrs. Sarah F. Hanna, who devoted herself very largely to the work
of organizing societies, submitted to the General Assembly a draft of a
constitution for the organization of a General Women's Missionary Soci-
ety. This was amended and endorsed by the Assembly, and a number
of ladies were associated with her as a committee to effect the organiza-
tion. Vol. IV, p. 188, 1875. Tiiis committee was continued by suc-
cessive Assemblies, 1876, 1877. The word " foreign" was stricken from
the constitution and the Society opened to all mission work. Vol. IV,
p. 305, 1876. It was ordered that societies make their contributions
through the Financial Agents, Vol. IV, p. 594, 1878, and also that the
congregational and Presbyterial societies shall be subordinate to the
sessions and Presbyteries having jurisdiction. Vol. V, p. 39, 1879.
Annual General Missionary Conventions, composed of delegates from
the Presbyterial societies, began to be held in 1884. The General As-
sembly approved of the organization of a Board appointed by the Gen-
eral Society, Vol. VI, p. 436, 1886, and, with certain amendments,
adopted the Constitution prepared by the Society, Vol. VI, p. 679,
1887.]
2. Relation of the Women's General Society to the General
Assembly and the other Boards. — Art. II. of the Constitution of
the Society: "This Society and its Board in all work shall be under
the control and subject to the authority of the General Assembly of the
United Presbyterian Church." Vol. VI, p. 679, 1887.
Art. IX. of the Constitution : " The Women's General Missionary
Society and its Board shall undertake none of the regular work of any
of the Boards of the Church without the advice of such Board and in
harmony with it." Vol. VI, p. 679, 1887.
[The Constitution as approved by the Assembly was adopted by the
General Missionary Society. Vol. VII, p. 91, 1888.]
3. The Charter of the Women's General Missionary Society.
— A Charter was obtained in Allegheny County, Pa., for the Women's
General Missionary Society, December 8, 1888. Vol. VII, p. 290,
1889.
Resolved, 4. That it is the judgment of this Assembly that the Mis-
sionary Board should either obtain a new charter or have its present
charter so amended that it shall be in name and in fact, an auxiliary
board, holding all its property in trust for the United Presbyterian
Church, and subject to the direction, disposition and control of the
General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church, said property to
inure to the trustees of the General Assembly of said Church. Vol.
VII, p. 642, 1891.
3. Missionary Societies to Forward Contributions Through
Their Own Treasurers. — Resolved, That the resolution directing
that all contributions shall be made through financial agents of Presby-
teries be hereby changed so as no longer to apply to missionary socie-
344 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
ties, and that the Assembly recommend that these societies make all
their contributions for missionary purposes through their own Presby-
terial treasurers. Vol. VII, p. 220, 1889.
CXLIII. WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION.
Resolved, 4. That we recognize in the Women's Christian Temper-
ance Union a powerful and most eiRcient ally in the war against this
enemy of •' God and Home and Native Land," and we bid them God
speed in their patient, persistent, heroic and prayerful efforts to make
effective their great battle cry, " The saloon must go."
5. That while we rejoice in the good work done by the women's or-
ganization in disseminating literature and providing lectures, and thus
helping to create and develop a correct public sentiment, we specially
commend and second their efforts to secure, by State legislation, the in-
troduction in our public schools of temperance text books and instruc-
tion in regard to the effect of the use of alcohol on the human system.
Vol. VI, p. 32, 1884.
6. That we highly appreciate the spirit and work of the National
Women's Christian Temperance Union. Vol. VI, p. 240, 1885.
5. That in the rapid progress now being made in the cause of tem-
perance, much credit is due to the prayers and labors of the Women's
Christian Temperance Union, and while not endorsing everything they
do — notably, some of their Sabbath meetings — we rejoice in the great
and good work they are accomplishing, and bid them God-speed. Vol.
V, p. 433, 1886.
CXLIV. WORSHIP.
Acts of Worship in Praise Defined.— The following question is
asked : " Does the declaration of our Testimony on Psalmody, Article
XVIII, permit members of the United Presbyterian Church to join in
the singing of the compositions of uninspired men, in connection with
religious services, held anywhere or under any circumstances?"
That Article XVIII clearly requires us to use only the songs con-
tained in the Book of Psalms in the worship of God, needs no argu-
ment; and that uninspired songs may be sung otherwise than as acts of
worship is equally clear.
No definite rule can be laid down by which all can be enabled to de-
termine between acts of worship and exercises of a kindred but less
solemn character. Something must, therefore, be left to the good sense
and Christian prudence of each individual.
The intention of others, ^^\l\\ whom we may be expected to join in
singing, will generally be a valuable help in determining this question.
If they are engaged in worship according to their own declaration, then
we, in joining with them, will be regarded as uniting in their worship.
"But if any man say unto you, this is offered in sacrifice unto idols,
eat not," is a direction that may safely be followed in many things, that
are not properly classed with idolatry. Therefore,
Resolved, That the question of the memorial be answered in the neg-
ative. Vol. VI, p. 680,1887.
TOUNG people's avork. 345
CXLY. YOUNG PEOPLE'S WORK.
1. Organization of Young- People's Work.— [A convention,
composed of delegates from the Young People's Societies of the Church,
held in Allegheny, Ph., asked the General Assembly to take charge of
the work among the Young. The Assembly adopted the following :]
Resolved, 1. That a permanent committee of five be appointed to give
general direction to the work among our young people, with authority
to prepare and publish a constitution for young people's societies, in
harmony with the principles and usages of the United Presbyterian
Church, and that the name at the head of the committee be retired
each year and another name be added at the foot.
2. That the matter of the selection and publication of a periodical to
be devoted to this Avork, be committed to the committee provided for in
the first resolution.
3. That tlie holding of Young People's Institutes in various localities
in the Church be encouraged. Vol. VII, p. 214, 1889.
4. That, recognizing tlie great benefit to the Church in the organiza-
tions of the young for spiritual work, pastors and sessions are earnestly
recommended to avail themselves of this efficient agency for the exten-
sion of Christ's kingdom. Vol. VII, p. 228, 1889.
The General Assembly also appointed a General Secretary of Youn"
People's Work. Vol. VII, p. 430, 1890. °
Resolved, I. That we view with pleasure and hereby express our
gratitude to God for the wonderful awakening during the past year
among our young people, and for their enthusiastic devotion to Chris-
tian work.
3. That the Permanent Committee should make an effort, through
the Presbyterial Sabbath School Superintendents, to systematize the
•work of holding conventions.
4. That the Yomiy Christian should be exclusively devoted to the in-
terests of the young people's organizations.
5. That we approve the action of the Permanent Committee in tak-
ing steps to prepare a Manual for the instruction and assistance of our
young people in their work. Vol. VII, p. 430, 1890.
Resolved, 1. That we express gratitude to God for the increasing in-
terest manifested by Our Young People, and for their loyal devotion to
the work of the Church during the year.
2. That we commend and approve the work of the Committee on
Young People's Work, as presented in the annual report. Vol. VII, p.
648, 1891.
[Tlie Permanent Committee on Young People's Work reported a
Constitution for a general organization of the Young People, which had
been adopted by a General Convention. It was adopted by the Assem-
bly. Vol. VII, p. 648, 1891. Its leading articles are as follows:]
Article i — Name. This Assembly shall be called " The Insti-
tute of Our Young People of the United Presbyterian Church of North
America."
Article ii. — Ecclesiastical Status. The Institute shall be
subject to the General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church of
North America, and in accordance with principles hereinafter contained,
346 DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
shall be under the immediate supervision of a joint committee of ten
persons, five of whom shall be appointed by the General Assembly,
and five elected annually by the Institute, and the General Secretary of
Young People's Work shall be, ex-officio, a member of this committee.
The person who stands first in the Assembly's portion of the committee
shall be Chairman. [This joint committee shall be known as the Gen-
eral Committee on Young People's Work. Art. VI.]
Article hi Object. The Institute shall be a training school for
young Christians, and its object shall be three-fold : To instruct in
Bible study, and practical piety ; to create and stimulate enthusiasm in
Christian life and work, especially in promoting the growth and pros-
perity of the congregations of the United Presbyterian Church ; and to
promote greater spirituality.
Article iv Membekship. Section 1. All persons attending
the Institute, and members of organizations under the supervision of the
Institute, shall be members thereof, having the privilege of conference
and debate, and of voting upon all matters except executive business.
Sec. 2. Two duly accredited persons from each Presbyterial Conven-
tion and each Young People's Society in the congregations and educa-
tional institutions of the United Presbyterian Church, however they
may be organized, or without organization, shall be delegate members ;
and these delegate members, and no others, sliall have the right to vote
upon executive business. Vol. VII, pp. 648, 724, 1891.
[The Committee also reported a constitution for Presbyterial conven-
tions, which was amended and adopted. Vol. VII, pp. 648, 727,
1889.]
2. Contributions and Special Evangelistic Work. — Resolved,
3. That Our Young People are to be commended for their action in
opposing the endorsement of special evangelistic, or benevolent work,
and in recognizing the Boards of the Church as the only proper chan-
nels throuzh which their general contributions should be directed. Vol.
VII, p. 648, 1891.
APPENDIX.
HOME MISSIONS, BOARD OF.
[The committee on Changes in the Home Mission System, appointed by
the General Assembly of 1891, submitted a report to the folio-wing Assembly,
•which was adopted. VIII, p. 116. The amended constitution of the Board
of Home Missions and the revised regulations are as follows:]
1. Constitution of the Board of Home Missions.
1. Name and Location. This Board shall be styled "The Board of
Home Missions of the United Presbyterian Church of North Amer-
ica," and shall be located in Pittsburgh, Penn'a.
2. The General Committee. Theie shall be a General Committee of
Home Missions, whicli shall be composed of one delegate from each Pres-
bytery of the Church, elected annually by the Presbytery ; one member of
the Board of Home Missions and one member of the Board of Church Ex-
tension, appointed annually by these Boards respectively.
3. Powers of the General Committee. The General Committee of Home
Missions, under the direction and control of the General Assembly, shall
have general supervision of the whole work of home missions. It shall an-
nually take action upon applications of Presbyteries for grants of money, and
shall have power, at its discietion, to appoint missionaries for special mis-
sions or special -work, and to act upon any other matters affecting the cause
of home missions : being governed in its proceedings by the Regulations for
Home Mission Work.
4. Powers of the Board. The Board of Home Missions shall have execu-
tive charge and oversight of the work of home missions ; shall have power
to meet emergencies arising during the interval between meetings of the
General Committee ; and in general shall exercise such powers and perform
Buch duties as are entrusted to it by the Regulations for Home Mission Work,
or by special action of the General Assembly.
2. Regulations of Presbyteries.
1. Delegates to General Committee. Each Presbytery shall appoint an-
nually one delegate to represent it in the General Committee of Home
Missions. If it is possible to avoid it, no person expecting aid for his congre-
gation from the home mission funds shall be appointed a delegate.
2. Annual Reports. Presbyteries shall report annually, not later than
the 20th of April, to the Corresponding Secretary of the Board of Home
Missions :
a. The names of stations for which aid is needed, and the amount
which, in the judgment of the Presbytery, should be granted to
each one.
h. The names of delegates to the General Committee.
c. Answers to any questions which the General Assembly or the
Board may authorize to be addressed to them.
3. Applications for Aid shall be made upon blank forms approved by the
General Assembly and furnished by the Board. These papers, when filled
(347)
348 APPENDIX.
up and approved by the Presbytery, shall be forwarded to the Corresponding
Secretary of the Board not later than April 20th in each year. The vote of
the Presbytery upon each application (that is. the number voting for and the
number voting against), together with the number of members present, shall
be reported in connection with the certificate of approval.
4. Care in Certifying Applications. Aid shall not be asked for any sta-
tion beyond what, in the judgment of the Presbytery, after careful examina-
tion, is really necessary and justified by the prospects of the field.
5. Contributions for Home Support. Presbyteries shall require all
congregations asking aid to contribute liberally, according to their ability,
for the support of their ministers ; and ordinarily the regular payment of the
amount promised in the application, or fixed by the Presbytery, for this pur-
pose, shall be a condition applying to every grant.
6. Contributions and Security to Boards. No station or congregation
shall receive aid which does not contribute to the Boards of the Church, or
■which refuses to give the required security for aid granted by the Board of
Church Extension.
7. Property Must be Secured. As a condition of aid from the home
mission fund the property of congregations must be secured to the United
Presbyterian Church, as required by action of the General Assembly in
1873, 1883 and 1889. Either in the deed, or in a separate Declaration of
Trust, the following clause must appear: "That the said land and premises,
herein above described, shall be and are held in trust as and for a place of
divine worship, subject to the standards and acts of the United Presbyter-
ian Church of North America, as from time to time authorized by the Gen-
eral Assembly of said Church ; and that in case the said United Pres-
byterian of shall cease to exist, be dissolved, or cease to be coq-
nected with and subject to the jurisdiction of the said General Assembly or
shall lose its corporate existence, the trust shall terminate and the title shall
vest absolutely in the Trustees of the General Assembly of the United Pres-
byterian Church of North America, who shall then have the right to sell
and convert the same into money without any liability of the purchaser of
the property to see to the application of the proceeds of such sale ; and when-
ever, in the judgment of the said Trustees of the General Assembly of the
United Presbyterian Church of North America, it shall be proper or right,
for any cause, to terminate such ti'ust, and sell or otherwise dispose of the
Baid property, the said Trustees may, in their discretion, act accordingly."
Presbyteries are required to give assurance to the Board that this condition
is fulfilled.
8. G-rouping into Pastoral Charges. So far as practicable, mission sta-
tions shall be grouped together, or united with self-supporting congrega-
tions, in convenient pastoral charges ; and no station shall be recommended
for aid which can be itnited with a neighboring station or congregation in
one charge, for which no help, or a smaller amount, would be necessary.
9. Superintendent of Missions. Each I'resbytery shall nominate an-
nually to the General Assembly one of the ministers connected with it, for
appointment as Superintendent of Missions for the Presbytery. It shall be
the duty of the Superintendent of Missions, subject to the direction and con.
trol of the Presbytery, to superintend its mission work ; to see that all ne-
cessary action is taken upon applications for aid and annual reports to the
Board ; to obtain a quarterly report from missionaries laboring in stations
receiving aid ; to make a quarterly report, in the form approved by the Gen-
eral Assembly, to the Corresponding Secretary of the Board of Home Mis-
sions ; to receive from the Treasurer of the Board, receipt for and distribute
the money appropriated to aid congregations and mission stations ; and in
general to act as the organ of communication between the Presbytery and
the Board, and perform such duties as the Assembly may direct. His ac-
coiints shall be audited annually by the Presbytery.
10. Presbyterial Committee on Home Missions. It is recommended
that each Presbytery appoint a Committee on Home Missions, with the
Superintendent of Missions as chairman. It should be the duty of the mem-
HOME MISSIONS, BOARD OF. 349
bers of this Committee to advise with the Superintendent of Missions and as-
sist him iu his work. The Committee may also be given power to act for
the Presbytery, during the intervals of its meetings, upon any matter affect-
ing the interests of the mission work in its bounds.
3. Regulations fok the General Commttee.
11. Meeting and Quorum. The General Committee of Home Missions
Bhall meet annually, at the place appointed by the General Assembly, seven
working days before the sessions of the General Assembly begin. A major-
ity of delegates, duly appointed by Presbyteries, shall be a quorum.
12. The Secretary and His Duties. The Corresponding Secretary of the
Board of Home Missions shall be, ex-officio, Secretary of the General Com-
mittee. He shall prepare a roll of the members from the official reports of
Presbyteries, and shall have charge of all records and papers.
13. Organization. When assembled, the General Committee shall be
called to order by the Corresponding Secretary of the Board, who shall pre-
side temporarily. He shall call the roll, and, if a quorum be found present,
the organizat)ou shall be completed by the election of a chairman and one
or more assistant secretaries.
14. Committees. Not later than the second day of the meeting three
committees shall be appointed, each of five members, who shall be nomi-
nated by the chairman, namely : —
A Committee on Special Missions and Special Work, to which shall be re-
ferred cases which have been for a time in the special care of the Board ;
requests of Presbyteries to have stations placed in the list of special mis-
sions ; applications for the appointment or support of special missionaries •
and any other requests which the General Committee may direct them to
consider.
A Committee on Neic Work, to which shall be referred the applications for
fields in which work is not yet begun, and of congregations which have not
before received aid.
A Committee on Resolutions and Recommendations to the General Assem-
ply. This Committee shall consider all papers referred to them, and may,
in their discretion, propose action on any matter affecting the home mission
work.
15. Order of Business. The business of the General Committee shall be
taken up in the following order : —
a. Consideration of the Annual Report of the Board.
b. Appropriation of money in cases not referred to the Committees.
c. Reports of the Committees on Special Missions and New Work.
d. Miscellaneous business.
16. Appropriation of Money. In the appropriation of money the Gen-
eral Committee shall keep in view the interests of the whole field, and the
relative importance and necessities of the different parts. The following
order of procedure may be observed : —
a. Consider what limit, if any, should be placed upon the whole
amount to be granted.
b. Take up the applications for aid in such classified order as may
be found best.
c. As each case is taken up, hear the papers read ; hear the delegate
from the Presbytery making the application, taking care to as-
certain that the rules relating to recommendations for aid have
been observed ; give opportunity for questions and discussion by
other delegates.
d. Without any motion, the question to be put by the Chairman
shall be: "Shall the request be granted?" But any delegate
may offer an amendment or substitute.
17. Majority Necessary to Make Grant, No grant shall be made in the
absence of a quorum, or by any number of votes less than a majority of all
the members present when the vote is taken.
18. Stated Supply or Settlement a Condition of Grants. All grants
350 APPENDIX.
shall be on condition of stated supply or settlement, unless the work in view
is of an experimental or temporary chai-acter. By stated supply shall be un-
derstood continuous service by the same man, for whatever proportion of
time is taken by the station, during three months or more.
19. Referring Oases to the Board. Cases in which all necessary infor-
mation is before the General Committee, shall not be referred to the Board ;
but the condition " At the discretion of the Board " may be attached to any
grant, and should generally be attached to all grants for work not yet begun.
20. Referring Back to Presbytery. When doubt arises as to the advis-
ability of any proposed grant because the success of the work seems to be
hindered by circumstances which it may be in the power of the Presbytery
to change, the case may be referred back to the Presbytery. In any such in-
stance the Presbytery may, after careful consideration, bring the case before
the Board.
21. No Increase of Grant in Certain Cases. No grant greater than the
sliding scale allows shall be made to stations that have not been brought be-
fore the Board, prior to the meeting of t)ie General Committee, as required
by the rules ; but exceptional cases may. if a majority of ail the delegates
present agree, be referred to the Board for consideration of their claims,
when duly presented by the Presbyteries concerned, to exemption and an in-
crease.
22. Miscellaneous Business. Under this head the General Committee
shall consider the report of the Committee on Resolutions and Recommend-
ations to the General Assembly, and may take action upon any other matter
relating to the home mission work.
23. Report to the Assembly. When all business is thus transacted, a full
report shall be prepared, printed and submitted to the General Assembly.
4. Regulations for the Board.
24. Meetings and. Officers. Regular meetings of the Board shall be held
on the second Monday of each month; special meetings at its own discretion.
At the regular meeting in July of each year the members shall elect from
their own number a piesident, a vice president and a recording secretary,
and, without restriction to their own number, a treasurer, from whom they
shall require such security as may be judged necessary.
25. Duties and Powers. The Board shall carry out the measures adopted
by the General Assembly from year to year; take general supervision and
control of the home mission work; assign missionaries to their fields of
labor as provided for in these regulations; make proper and safe investment
of all funds intended by the donors, or ordered by the General Assembly, to
be thus used; and meet all emergencies as they may arise during the year.
26. Rejected Applications for Aid. The Board is forbidden, except in
cases of extreme necessity, to grant appropriations of money to any station
whose application for the current year has been considered and rejected by
the General Committee or the General Assembly.
27. Quarterly Reports and Accounts. Near the close of each quarter
the Corresponding Secretary shall forward to Superintendents of Missions
blanks, in forms approved by the General Assembly, for quarterly reports.
When the reports are received, he shall number them in the order of dates of
mailing, giving preference, when dates are the same, to the Presbyteries to
which the larger amounts are found due, and counting as of the same date
all reports mailed within the week succeeding the last Sabbath of the quar-
ter ; and shall draw warrants on the Treasurer, numbered in the same
order, for tlie amounts due to the several Presbyteries. In determining the
amount due, those stations only shall be included which are certified by
Superintendents of Missions as having fulfilled the conditions on which aid
was granted.
28. Payment of Warrants. The Treasurer shall pay the warrants
drawn by the Corresponding Secretary in the order of their numbers. He
shall pay the whole amount due to each Presbytery to the Superintendent of
Missions. He shall not pay out any of the funds in his hands without a war-
rant from the Board.
HOME MISSIONS, BOARD OF. 351
29. Unfulfilled Conditions. No warrant shall be given for the payment
of money upon any appropriation the conditions of which are unfulfilled,
without special authorization from the Board. The Board is required to
exercise great caution in removing or changing conditions attached to grants
of money, and shall in no case do so without a specific request of the proper
Presbytery, accompanied by a statement of reasons entirely satisfactory to
the Board. But in cases where it is found impossible to fulfill the condition
of stated supply, the Board may, upon a statement of the facts by a Super-
intendent of Missions, allow some part of the grant to be used for occasional
supplies.
3U. Annual Report. Before the meeting of the General Committee of
Home Missions, in each year, a full report to the General Assembly shall be
prepared and adopted by the Board, detailing its operations during the year,
the condition, prospects and necessities of the work entrusted to its care, and
the applications from Presbyteries for aid for the ensuing year, together
with such recommendations as may be thought proper. This report shall
be printed, laid before the General Committee, and submitted to the General
Assembly.
31. Auditing Treasurer's Accounts. The Board shall see that the ac-
counts of its Treasurer are audited at the close of each financial year, and
that this is properly certified upon his annual report.
5. Sliding Scale Appropriations.
32. Tlie Rule. Appropriations of money to stations that have received
aid for five yeais or more shall be reduced annually not less than one-fifth of
the grant upon which the reduction begins.
33. Exceptional Cases. If any Presbytery shall conclude that a station
under its care ought to be exempted from the operation of the foregoing rule,
it shall, not later than the 20th of April, report to the Board of Home Mis-
sions the facts in the case, and the Board shall report these facts, with its
judgment thereon, to the General Committee.
34. Effect of Exemption. When a station is exempted from the opera-
tion of the rule, it shall be but for one year, and the appropriation made
under such exemption shall be the basis on which subsequent reductions
shall be determined.
6. Home Missionaries.
35. Enrollment. All ministers and licentiates who, upon their own re-
quest, shall be recommended by the Presbyteries to which they belong, for
service in the home mission field, shall be enrolled by the Board as home
missionaries.
36. Selection by Presbyteries. Lists of all the missionaries thus en-
rolled, so long as they remain unassigned to regular work, shall be furnished
by the Board quarterly, and at any time, upon request from a Superintendent
of Missions. From these lists Presbyteries shall indicate to the Board the
men preferred by them to be employed in their bounds, and, if possible, shall
state to what station they wish to assign them.
37. Choice by Missionaries and Appointment by the Board. The men
thus selected shall be notified by the Board of all the work thus offered to
them, and may choose their fields of labor. On the acceptance by a mission-
ary of any chaige thus offered, he shall be assigned to it as stated supply by
the Board, ordmarily for one year. All such appointments shall be pub-
lished.
38. Recruits for Home Mission Service. It shall be the duty of the
Corresponding Secretary of the Board of Home Missions to visit the theo-
logical seminaries of the Church annually, if possible, and present to the
young men the claims of the home mission service upon rhem.
39. Minimum Salary. To secure regular and permanent supply for mis-
sion stations, and the .settlement over them of pastors, as contemplated in
the preceding regulations, it is recommended to Presbyteries that the mini-
mum salary in mission charges shall be eight hundred dollars (|800), includ-
ing estimated rent of parsonage if there is one.
352 APPENDIX.
40. Secular Employment Forbidden. Ministers employed in mission
stations are required to give their entire time and attention to ministerial
duties. If engaged in any secular employment, no part of the grants made
to aid congregations shall be paid to them.
41. Pastoral Work Required- All missionaries, whether serving as pas-
tors and stated supplies, or as occasional supplies, are earnestly exhorted to
the performance of pastoral duties, and to remember that the success of
mission woik depends very largely upon active and constant labor to win
men, by personal contact and influence as well as by the public preaching of
the Gospel.
42. Quarterly Reports. At the end of each quarter, missionaries labor-
ing in stations that receive aid shall report promptly to the Superintendent
of Missions, using the blank forms furnished through the Superintendent by
the Board.
43. Special Appointments not Restricted. In the appointment of mis-
Bionaries for special work or to special missions, neither the General Com-
mittee nor the Board of Home Missions shall be restricted to the enrolled list
of home missionaries.
44. UnenroUed' Ministers. Unemployed ministers and licentiates, not
enrolled as home missionaries, may report their names to the Board of Home
Missions, stating, if they so desire, where and how they wish to be employed;
and the Board shall, at least quarterly, send the list of all such names, and
the requests made, to all the Presbyteries.
7. Special Missionaries.
45. Applications for their Appointment. When the interests of the
mission work are believed by any Presbytery to require the services of a
special missionary to labor at large in its bounds and under its direction, ap-
plicatiou may be made to the General Committee or to the Board of Home
Missions for the appointment of a minister to such service. In making the
application, the Presbytery shall state the work to be done, the plan pro-
posed for it, the time during wliich it is thought to be necessary, the salary
required, and any other facts that will enable the General Committee of the
Board to reach a proper conclusion: and shall also, if possible, nominate the
minister whose a))pointment is desired.
46. What the Board may do. The Board shall have power, in the inter-
val of meetings of the General Committee, to decide upon such applications;
to make the appointments as may be required; to fix the salary to be paid
during the year then current, and to grant money for the payment thereof.
But the Board shall not appoint any one as a special missionary who is not
approved by the Presbytery in which he is to labor,
47. Duties of Special Missionaries. Under the direction of the Presby-
teries to which they are appointed, special missionaries shall preach and do
pastoral and missionary work in stations which are without pastors or
stated supplies ; aid in securing regular supplies for such stations ; and give
needed assistance, occasionally, to other missionaries in their work. They
shall especially endeavor to instruct and encourage mission congregations in
the duty of liberal giving for the support of the ordinances of the Gospel ; to
awaken and direct among them a zealous missionary spirit and an intelligent
devotion to the principles of the Church of which they are members ; and to
promote among them united and persistent efforts, by all means approved
in the Word of God, for the conversion of souls and for their own growth to
self-supporting strength.
48. Their Quarterly Reports. At the end of each quarter, special mis-
sionaries shall make reports, in the usual form, for all the mission stations
supplied by them, if such reports are not made by others. In addition, they
shall report fully their own work during the quarter, the condition of the
stations visited, the needs of the field, the amount in detail paid to them by
congregations, and anything else that may seem to them important. These
personal reports shall be forwarded by Superintendents of Missions, in con-
nection with their quarterly reports, to the Corresponding Secretary of the
Board.
HOME MISSIONS, BOARD OF. 353
49. To be Paid as Other Missionaries. Stations supplied by a special
missiouary shall pay him not less than the amount they would be expected
or required to pay another supply. The missiouary shall account for all
such payments, quarterly, to the Superintendent of Missions, as part of his
salary. The due pioportion of the grants to such stations shall also be
counted as part of his salary.
50. Exploring Work. Xo Presbytery shall employ the special missionary
laboring in its bounds in exploring unoccupied fields, with the view to new
organizations, without first laying the subject before the Board and obtain-
ing its consent to the work proposed.
51. Renewal of Appointments and Grants. If the labors of a special
missionary are desired by any Presbytery for more than the year current at
the time of the first appointment, all subsequent requests for the appropria-
tion of money for his support must be presented to the General Committee
of Home Missions, as in the case of other applications for aid.
8. Special Missions.
52. How Constituted. Upon the request of a Presbytery, the General
Committee of Home Missions may place a paiticular station' in the special
care of the Board for a specified term of years ; but this action shall not be
taken save in exceptional cases, such as missions in large cities, or in iso-
lated places, where efi"ective Presbyterial supervision is dilncult or impracti-
cable.
53. Appropriations and Appointments. For such special missions ap-
propriations of money and, if they have not settled pastors, appointments of
missionaries shall be made by the Board during the prescribed term of years,
and reported to the General Assembly.
54. Appointments must be Acceptable to Presbyteries. In the ap-
pointment of missionaries for such stations, the Board shall not act finally,
unless assured that the appointment proposed will be satisfactory to the
Presbytery concerned.
55. Applications and Reports. All applications to the Board on behalf
of special missions must be made through the Presbytery, as in other cases.
The quarterly reports and payments shall be in the usual manner, through
the Superintendent of Missions; but the Board may receive, in addition, di-
rect reports from the missionary or the session of the congregation.
56. Re-appointment of Missionaries. The Presbytery to which any
special mission belongs, when it is served by a stated supply, shall annually
ascertain the wishes of the congregation as to the re-appointment of the mis-
sionary, and shall report the facts, with its judgment on the subject, to the
Board, in connection with the annual application for aid.
57. Rights and Duties of Presbyteries Unaffected. These regulations
in regard to special missions must not be understood as in any manner af-
fecting the relations of mission stations to their Presbyteries, or the rights
and responsibilities of Presbyteries towards the congregations and the mis-
sionaries. Vol. VIII, p. 116, 1892.
23
INDEX.
Absence, leave of, 78.
Abstinence, total, 307.
Academies, aid for, 150.
Endowment of, 151.
Admonition, 46.
Aged Ministers' Fund, 206.
Agents of the Board of Cburcli Ex-
tension :
Presbyterial, 108.
Special, 109.
Alliance of Reformed Churches hold-
ing the Presbyterian System.
See Presbyterian Council,
Alliance of Presbyterian Churches in
India, 225.
Alliance of Psalm-singing (Churches.
244.
Alternates of Commissioners, 174.
Amendment to the Constitution of the
United States, 216.
Amendments to the Book of Govern-
ment and Discipline, 97.
Amendments to the General Consti-
tution of the Boards, 93.
Amendments to motions in the As-
sembly, 77.
American Missionary Association,
proposition of, 166.
American -Sabbath Union, 268.
American Temperance Congress, 813.
Amusements, 79.
Annuity, contributions to the Board
of Church Extension sabiect
to, 108.
Anthems, 111,
Appeals :
Definition of, 51.
Ground of, 51.
Who may appeal, 51, 52.
When appeal may be taken, 51,52.
From decisions of Commissions,
198, 261.
Notice of and reasons, 51,
Necessary papers, 51.
Order of procedure, 51.
Different issues, 51.
Effect of action of appellate court,
51.
Troublesome appellants, 51.
Abandoned, 51.
Operation of, 52.
May be refused, 52.
Limitation of time, 53.
Parties to, 51, 79. 199.
Correction allovred in papers of,
80. 1- i- ,
Rights of a member of a court
pending an appeal affecting his
seat, 81, 136.
From Missionary Presbyteries, to
the Assembly, 81, 176, 214.
Directly to the Assembly under
special action, 81, 218.
New evidence in, 45.
Parties must be heard before
judgment, 80, 199.
Proposed amendment to article
on, 81, 97, 174.
Rights of members of lower
courts in cases of, 49, 80.
Concerning instrumental music
in worship, 125.
On rights of an elder pending the
question of his office, 81, 136.
On competency of a session to try
a case, 203.
On marriage with a deceased
wife's sister, 202.
Of James Dawson, 135.
Of .lames Donaldson. 141.
Of Rev. J. C. Evans, 153.
Of Rev. R. Gailey, 171.
Of Rev. H. Gordon, 175.
Of Alexander Grant, 175.
Of Adam Green, 175.
Of Rev. R. A. Hill, 175.
Of Rev. W. R. Hutchison, 190.
Of Rev. C. T. McCaughan, 198.
Of Eleanor, Jane L., and Cath-
arine Marshall, 203.
Of Mrs. Mary A. Patterson, 221.
Of Rev. George A. Roseburg, 261,
Of Rev. C. B. Smyth, 285.
Of Rev. J. T. Tate, 305.
Of Rev. S. Wilson, 199, 341.
Cases reported, 82.
Appeals from the Moderator's de
cision, 78, 81.
(355)
356
DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Appellants, 51.
Appellate power of the General As-
sembly, 22, 174.
Appellate power not given to the India
Alliance, 226.
Apportionment of fnnds, 156.
Appropriations, committee on, 73,
74, 82.
Standing rnle on, 82.
Arbitration, international, 221.
Arian baptism, 89.
Army and navj', religious interests
of, 82, 98.
Assembly. See General Assembly.
Assembly Monthly, 80.
Assistant Clerk of tlie General Assem-
bly :
Election of. 72, 128.
Term of office of, 72, 128.
Salary of, 128.
Associate Church :
Union of with the Associate Re-
formed Church, 330.
Funds of, 84, 285.
Legal decision as to its succession
and rights. See Speer's Estate.
Old records of. 337, 338.
Associate Reformed Church :
Union with the Associate Church,
330.
Legal decision as to succession
and rights, 336.
Old records of, 337, 33S.
Associate Reformed Synod of the
South, 84.
Correspondence with, 84.
Co-operation with, 85.
Union with, 86.
Average per member. 297.
Average salary of pastors, 297.
Ayes and nays, 78.
Baptism, 62, 89.
Subjects of, 62.
Place of, 62.
Mode of, 62, 63, 89.
Arian, 89.
Papal, 89.
Formula of questions for, 62, 63,
90.
By immersion, 89.
Not to be repeated, 90.
Duty of Christian parents, 90.
Bellefonte system of contributions,
101.
Benediction, 64.
Beneficence, Systematic, 69, 303.
Beneficiaries of the Board of Educa-
tion :
To be reported to the Assembly,
150.
Married, 150.
Examination of, 150.
Not to use tobacco, 150.
Observance of regulations to be
reported, 150.
Bequests. See Legacies.
Bible : In the public schools, 90, 98.
In public worship, 60.
In the Sabbath schools, 68, 273.
Bible fund, 246, 249.
Bible Songs, 90.
Revised and enlarged, 91.
One version to be used, 92.
Adapted to Young People's work,
92.
Denominational imprint on, 92.
Copyright of, 245.
Bills and Overtures, committee on,
73.
Blanks :
For the committee on Narrative
and State of Religion, 130.
For Financial Agents, 157.
For reports of Presbyteries, 131.
For statistics, 196.
Boards of the Church, 92.
Committee on, 74.
Conference on, 94.
Constitution of, 92.
Amendments to constitution of,
93.
Corresponding Secretaries, ex-
otficio members of, 92, 134.
^Monthly statements of, 95.
Reports to l)e printed, 94.
Of Church Extension, 104.
Of Education, 143.
Of Foreign Missions, 1.58.
Of Missions to the Freedmen,
167.
Of Home Missions, 177.
Of Ministerial Relief, 206.
Of Publication. 246.
Women's Auxiliary, 341.
One Secretary for, 94.
Consolidation of certain, 93, 185.
No special collection for, 94.
Itemized financial reports of, 94.
Names of contributors to be re-
ported, 94.
Duties of pastors and sessions
to, 15. 95.
Have no jurisdiction over the
principles of tlie Church, 95.
Book of Government and Discipline,
17.
Preparation of, 95.
Adoption of, 97.
Amendments to, 97.
Brussels treaty, 97.
Burial of the dead, 70.
357
Business, order of, in Assembly, 75.
Call for a pastor :
Moderation of, 39.
Signers of, 30.
Sustained, 30.
Presented, 30.
For settled minister, 33.
Form of attestation of, 54, 55.
Catechismg, 08.
Censures, 45.
Character of, 45.
Degrees of, 46.
Admonition, 46.
Rebuke, 46.
Suspension, 46.
Deposition, 46.
Excommunication, 47.
Centenary of the Presbyterian
Church, 225.
Centennial of the nation, 98.
Of Temperance work, 313.
Certificates of church members, 27.
Limitation, time of, 27.
Withheld, 20.
Form of, 54.
Chanting, 111.
Charges :
Form of, 39.
Tabled, 39.
Must be written, 42.
Specific. 40.
Admissibility of, 40.
Relevancy of, 40.
Full record of, 41.
Chaplains of the Army and Navy, 83.
Charity and forbearance, 125.
Charters :
Of Congregations, 98.
Of the General Assembly, 171.
Of the Board of Church Exten-
sion, 104.
Of the Board of Education, 143.
Of the Board of Foreign Missions,
158.
Of the Board of Missions to the
Freedmen, 167.
Of the Board of Home Missions,
177.
Of the Board of Ministerial
Relief, 206.
Of the Board of Publication, 248.
Of the Women's General Mis-
sionary Society, 343.
Children : Of foreign missionaries,
161, 162.
Of professors, 18.
Sermons for, 274.
Chinese mission :
Transferred to the Pacific coast,
99.
Change of name, 100.
Transferred to Board of Home
Missions. 100.
Funds of, 99, 100.
Property of, 100.
Made a special mission, 100.
Discontinued, 100.
Annuity for missionary, 100.
Christian Citizens, duty of, on tem-
perance, 311.
Christian Commission, 100.
Christian Commission, Union, 83.
Christian giving : See also Systematic
Giving.
A part of worship, 101, 305.
Should be proportionate, 101.
Should be proportionate to appro-
priations, 102.
Special contributions, 102.
Weekly contributions, 101, 304.
Thank offerings, 102.
The tithe, 101, 304, 305.
Doubtful means to be avoided,
103.
Information of the Church's
work to be given, 102.
Duty of pastors and sessions, 103.
Payment of pastors' salaries, 103.
A monthly paper on, 103.
Permanent committee on, 103,
Committee on Ways and Means,
131.
Christ's second coming, 103.
Church, The, 18.
Visible and invisible, 18.
King of, 18.
Ends of. 18.
Members of, 18.
Officers of, 18.
Courts of, 19.
Church dues, 171, 205.
Church Extension, Board of, 104.
Charter of, 104.
Constitution of, 105.
Regulations of, 106.
Presbyterial agents of, 108.
Not to appoint special agents, 109.
Loan fund of, 107.
Special loan funds of, 108.
Temporary loans to, 108.
Contributions to, subject to an-
nuity, 108.
May issue and guarantee bonds,
109.
Special contributions to, 108.
Contributions of Young People's
Societies to, 108.
Securities to be given to, 107,
108.
Securities taken by, for aid given
by Assembly, 107.
858
DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Its claims to be protected by
Trustees of Assembly, 330.
Rule on Church titles, 107.
To secure and retain church pro-
perty, 109.
Presbyterial supervision of
church-building, 109.
Presbyterial supervision of pro-
perty of extinct churches, 109.
Aid for missions beyond Presby-
terial bounds, 107.
No aid for rebuilding in estab-
lished congregations, 107.
Missions to be selected with care,
107.
Parsonage fund, 109.
Regulations of parsonage fund,
110.
Parsonage fund assigned to the
Women's Missionary Board,
110.
Represented in General Commit-
tee of Home Missions, 109, 190.
Consolidation of, with other
Boards, 93, 185.
On Corresponding Secretary of,
giving his whole time, 134.
Corresponding Secretary of, to
visit the field, 110.
Salary of Corresponding Secre-
tary of, 278.
Salary of Treasurer of, 279.
Presbyterial Committees on, 110.
Churches helped by, to be in-
sured, 107.
Churches :
Confederation of evangelical, 132.
Conference of Presbyterian, 224.
Consensus creed for Presbyterian,
225.
Corresponding churches, 132.
Church members. See Members of
the Church.
Church music :
Under the control of the session,
61, 111.
Congregational singing, 91.
Uniformity in. See Psalter, The.
Repeating tunes, 111.
Instrumental, 112-125. See In-
strumental music in worship.
For Sabbath Schools. See Bible
Songs .
Church of Rome, 260.
Church property :
Under control of the session,
126, 264.
Title to, 98-99, 126, 264.
Should be held by deacons, 125.
May be held by trustees, 125.
Deeds of, 98.
Declaration of trust, 126.
Compend of legal decisions con-
cerning, 126,
Title to, to be defended in the
name of the church, 127.
Statistics of, 298.
"Clear Majority," definition of, 218.
Clerks of church courts, 24.
Clerks of the General Assembly, 70,
127.
Principal, 72. 73, 127.
Principal, treasurer of the As-
sembly pro tern., 327.
Second, 72, 73, 127.
Assistant, 72, 128.
Term of office of, 24, 72, 128.
To superintend the publication
of the Minutes of Assembly,
72, 213.
To prepare an index of the Min-
utes, 213.
Salary of, 127, 128.
Colleges, aid for, 150, 151.
Day of prayer for, 151.
Memorial of Monmouth and
Westminster, 151.
Colored race and the elective fran-
chise, 202.
Colportage, system of, 250.
Regulations for, 250.
Cooper Memorial College, aid for, 151.
Commissioners to the Assembly:
Election of, 72.
Number of, 173.
Alternates of, 174.
Credentials of, 23, 174.
Form of credentials of, 56.
Expenses of, 138.
Not to absent themselves, 174.
Commissions of members of Assem-
bly, 23, 56, 174.
Commissions :
Of the Assembly in cases of dis-
cipline, 23.
Overture on, 128.
Rules and regulations of. 129.
Appeals from decision of, 198, 261.
Cases carried to a higher court
from, 198, 261.
Quarter-Centennial, 252.
On union with the Associate Re-
formed Synod of the South, 87.
In case of Rev. J. C. Evans, 154.
In case of Rev. C. B. Smyth, 285.
With Presbyterial powers for
work among the Freedmen,170.
Committee of the whole. 75.
Committees, permanent :
On Credentials, 75.
On Narrative and State of Re-
ligion, 130.
INDEX.
359
On Sabbath-schools, 131, 269.
On Reform, 131.
On Reduced Railroad fare, 131.
On Ways and Means, 181.
On Young People's Work, 131.
On Old Records, 338.
Expenses of, 132.
Committees, standiug :
On Appropriations, 83.
On Bills and Overtures, 73.
On the Boards, 74.
On Correspondence, 74.
On Devotional Exercises, 74.
On Finance, 74.
On Judiciary, 74.
On Narrative and State of Re-
ligion, 74, 130.
On Nominations, 74.
On Revision, 74.
On Sabbath Schools, 74.
On Statistics, 74.
On Systematic Beneficence, 303.
Reports of, 75.
Common fame, 38, 39, 50.
Communion ; Terms of, 204, 314. See
Hill's Case, McCune's Case,
and Secret Societies.
Deliverance on the 16th Article
of the Testimony, 314.
Tenderness towards applicants
for, 90,317.
Complaints, 52.
Definition of, 39, 52.
When proper, 52.
Effects of, 52.
Mode of procedure, 52, 198.
Of Rev. J. W. Logue, 198.
Against decision of a Commis-
sion, 198.
Confederation of Evangelical
Churches, 132.
Conference : On the Boards, 94.
Of Presbyterian Churches, 224.
Of Psalm-singing Churches, 244.
Congregational Charters, 98.
Congregational Singing, 91.
Congregationalism, 17,
Congregations, 25.
Division of, 25.
Organization of, 25.
Property of disorganized, 92.
Contributing, 296.
Alphabetical list of, 296.
Record of Organization of, 296.
Consolidation of the Boards, 92, 185.
Consensus Creed for Presbyterian
Churches, 225.
Constitution of the United States,
religious amendment to, 216.
Constitutions :
Of the Boards, 92.
Of the Board of Church Exten-
sion, 105.
Of the Board of Education, 144.
Of the Board of Foreign Mis-
sions, 159.
Of the Board of Missions to the
Freedmen, 168.
Of the Board of Home Missions,
178.
Of the Board of Ministerial Re-
lief, 208.
Of the Board of Publication, 248.
Of the Women's General Mis-
sionary Society, 343.
Contributions :
Made through Financial Agents,
156.
Credited to the Presbyteries, 156.
Of Sabbath-Schools, 276.
Of Missionary Societies, 343.
Weekly, 101.
Special, 102.
Proportionate, 102.
Copy-right, of Jones' Version, 244.
Of Bible Songs and Psalter, 245.
Correspondence, Committee on, 74.
Corresponding Churches, 132.
Delegates to, 133, 259.
Expenses of delegates to, 133.
Corresponding Secretaries of the
Boards, 134.
Election and term of office of, 92,
134.
Rights of, in the Assembly, 93,
134.
Salary of, 92, 278, 279.
Vacancies in the office of, 93.
Ex-officio members of the Boards,
92, 134.
To visit churches and Mission
fields, 110.
To visit Theological Seminaries,
190.
On giving their whole time, 134.
Council, Presbyterian, 227.
Counsel in actual process, 41.
Courts of the Church, 19.
Officers of, 23.
Transfer of cases in, 49,
Rights of lower in the higher,
49.
Control of lower by the higher,
49.
Covenanting, 67, 135.
Credentials :
Committee on, 75.
Of Commissioners to Assembly,
23, 174.
Form of, 56.
Curriculum of Study in Theological
Seminaries, 322.
360
DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Dancing, 79.
Dawson's appeals, 135.
Deacons, 19, 136.
Powers and duties of, 19, 137.
Election of, 34.
Ordination and installation of, 35.
Removing to another congrega-
tion, 36.
Duties of, may be performed by
elders, 36.
Should hold the church property,
125.
Resignation of, 138.
Not essential to the organization
of a congregation, 137.
Deaconesses, 137.
Dead, burial of the, 70.
Debate in the Assembly, 77.
Deceased ministers, record of, 211.
Memorial service for, 211.
Declinature, 52.
Definition of, 52.
When warrantable, 52.
Eflfect of, 53.
Deeds of church property, 98.
Delegate fund, 138.
Delegates to the Assembly. See Com-
missioners to the Assembly.
Delegates t»Correspouding Churches:
Expenses of, 133.
Appointment of, discontinued,
133.
Exceptional cases, 133.
Depositories of the Board of Publica-
tion, 249.
Deposition, 46.
Advice of higher court to be
taken, 47.
Announcement of, 47.
Form of a sentence of, 57.
Desecration of the Sabbath, 264.
Determined opposition to the stan-
dards of the church, 200, 316,
317.
Detroit Presbytery, transfer of, 302.
Devotional Exercises, committee on,
73.
Digest of the deliverances of the As-
sembly, 140.
Directory for Worship, 59.
Preparation of, 141.
Adoption of, 143.
Amendment to, 143.
Discipline :
Definition of, 87.
Necessity and objects of, 37.
Ground of, 37.
Caution to be exercised, 38.
Subjects of, 37.
Discipline, Book of. See Book of
Government and Discipline.
Dismissed members of «he church,
53, 205.
Dissent, 48.
Definition of, 48.
Persons entitled to, 48.
Reasons for, 48.
Right to record, 48.
Distinctive principles. See Principles
of the Church.
Division of the Question, 77.
Divorce :
Grounds of, 202.
Legislation on, 203.
Overture on. refused, 203.
Marriage of unscripturally di-
vorced persons forbidden, 203.
Dissolution of the pastoral relation, 34.
Docket of the Assembly, 70.
Donaldson's appeal, 141.
Edict, 30.
Form of, 55.
Education :
Endowment of academies, 151.
National aid for, 151.
Day of prayer for colleges, 151.
Education, Board of, 143.
Charter of, 143.
Constitution of, 144.
Regulations of, 145.
Aid to literary students, 149.
Aid in proportion to attendance,
149.
Married beneficiaries of, 150.
Competitive examination of the
beneficiaries of, 150.
Beneficiaries may not use to-
bacco, 150.
Faculties to report observance of
regulations, 150.
Presbyterial caie of beneficiaries
of, 150.
Beneficiaries of, to be reported to
Assembly, 150.
Aid to academies by, 150.
Aid to colleges by, 151.
Institutions to report to, 151.
Salary of the corresponding sec-
retary of, 278.
Egypt, minutes of the Presbytery of,
214.
Elders, Ruling :
Powers and duties of, 19.
Election of, 34.
Ordination and installation of, 85.
Term of ofiice of, 262.
Resignation of, 262.
Resignation of, void when im-
properly required, 263.
Removing to another congrega-
tion, 36.
INDEX.
361
In ordination of ministers, 217,
264.
Kights of, pending the question
of title to the office, 136,
Training of, 263.
May preside in the moderation of i
a call; 220.
May be released without petition,
263.
Inefficient to be removed, 211.
Unqualified men not to be chosen
as, 264.
Elders, Teaching :
Powers, names and duties of, 19.
Election of, 29.
Ordination and installation of, 80.
Inefficient may be removed, 211.
Rights of, in Church Courts,
211.
Elective franchise, 152.
To be extended to the colored
race, 152.
Emancipation of slaves, 284.
Enabling act of Theological Semi-
naries, 320.
Endowment of academies, 151.
Episcopacy, 17.
Evangelical Alliance, 152.
Evangelical ohurches, confederation
of, 132.
Evangelistic work among the Freed-
men, 170.
Evangelists :
Unlicensed students may labor
as, 152.
Institute for training, 153.
Training of. in Theological Semi-
naries, 153.
Evans, Rev. J. C, Appeal of, 153.
Evidence, 43.
Of witnesses, 43.
Of records of church courts, 44.
Of writings and publications, 44.
Taken by commissioners, 44.
Positive, 44, 45.
Circumstantial, 44.
Second-hand, 45.
To be recorded, 44.
New evidence in an appeal, 45.
Examination :
01 witnesses, 44.
Of beneficiaries, of the Boaixi of
Education, 150.
Of theological students, 325.
Excommunication, 47.
Form of sentence and restoration,
57, 58.
Faculties to report on beneficiaries of
the Board of Education, 150.
Family instruction, 154.
Visitation. See Pastoral Visita-
tion.
Family worship, 65, 154.
Fasting, 66.
Fasting, marriage not to be solemn-
ized on days of, 70.
Federation of Christian Churches, 132.
Finance :
Standing committee on, 73, 74.
Permanent committee on, 154.
Standing rule on, 82, 154.
Change of system proposed, 155.
Financial Agent, General, 157.
Financial Agents, 155.
Blanks for, 157.
Election of, 155.
Duties of, 155.
Accounts of, to be audited, 156.
To acknowledge all receipts, 156.
To apportion, the funds among
the congregations, 156.
To attend meetings of Presby-
tery, 156.
To report delinquent congrega-
gations, 156.
Contributions to be made through,
156.
Contributions of Missionary So-
cieties not paid to, 343.
Credit to be given to Presbyteries,
156.
Congregational assistants to, 157,
304.
Forbearance in Love defined, 200,
317.
Forbearance as to instrumental music,
125.
Foreigners, mission work among, 215.
Foreign Missions, Board of, 158.
Charter of, 158.
Constitution of, 159.
Regulations of, 159.
A manual of instructions, 161.
Education of native women, 164,
Special work, 165.
Medical work, 165.
To publish a monthly periodical,
166.
To report expenses in detail, 166.
Missionary associations, 165.
China mission, 99.
Syria mission, 164.
Mission to the Upper Nile, 166.
Schools in Egypt, 163.
Schools in India, 164.
Polygamous marriages, 202.
Salary of the Corresponding Sec-
retary of, 279.
Salary of the treasurer of, 279.
Gibson trust fund, 166. ■^
Foreign Missions, consolidation of, 99.
362
DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Foreign missionai-ies:
Children of. 161, 162.
Widows of, 162.
Outfit of, 161.
Return of, 162,
Salary and allowances of, 161.
Salary of returned, 162.
Training of native, 163.
Foreign missionary societies, 164.
Foi'ras, 54.
For dismission of members, 54.
For application for the modera-
tion of a call, 54.
Of a call for a pastor, 54. 55.
Of an act of licensure, 55.
Of an edict, 55.
Of a certificate of ordination, 55.
Of transfer to another Presbytery,
56.
Of a commission to the Assembly,
56.
Of a libel, 56.
Of a citation. 56.
Of an oath, 57.
Of a sentence of suspension, 57.
Of a sentence of deposition, 57.
Of a sentence of excommunica-
tion, 57.
Ofnotice of excommunication, 58.
Of an act of restoration, 58.
Franchise, elective, 152.
Free Masons, 281.
Free pews, 171.
Freedmen, Board of Missions to, 167.
Charter of, 167.
Constitution of, 168.
Regulations of, 168.
History of, 168.
Normal school of, 169.
Industrial schools of, 170.
Home for orphan children, 170.
Dormitories, 170.
Students' fund, 170,
Evangelistic work, 170.
Consolidation of, with other
Boards, 93, 169.
Salary of corresponding secre-
tary of, 279.
Salary of treasurer of, 280.
Commission to license and ordain
among the Freedmen, 170.
Funds :
Of the General Assembly, 174.
Of the Associate Svnod, 84.
Bible and Psalm-book, 246, 249.
Delegate, 138.
For paying all the expenses of
the delegates, 139.
Aged ministers', 206.
Widows' and orphans', 206.
Sustentation, 301.
Galley's appeal, 171.
General Assembly, 22.
Charter of, 171.
Appellate power of, 22, 174.
Power over theological semina-
ries, 23, 319.
Credentials of commissioners to,
23, 174.
Form of credentials of commis-
sioners to, 56.
Alternates of commissioners to,
174.
May not appoint alternates for
commissioners to, 174.
Expenses of commissioners to,
138.
Commissioners not to absent
themselves, 174.
Judicial commissions of, 23, 129.
Fund of, 174.
Power of, 22.
Power of, in overtures, 23.
Meetings of, 23.
Time of meeting of, 173.
Opening of, 23, 72.
Members of, 22.
Officers of, 23, 72, 127.
Quorum of, 23, 73.
Order of business of, 75.
Dissolution of, 23, 78.
Minutes of, 213.
Ratio of representation in, 22, 173.
Printing and stationery for, 175.
General Committee of Home Mis-
sions. See Home Missions,
General Committee of.
General Financial Agent, 157.
General Home Missionaries, 187.
Germans, missionary work for, 215.
Gibson Trust Fund, 166.
God in the Constitution, 216.
Gordon's appeal, 175.
Government, Book of. See Book of
Government and Discipline.
Government of the chiirch, tempo-
rary arrangement for, 96.
Government, necessity for, 17.
Grand Army of the Republic, 282.
Grangers, 282.
Grant's appeal, 175.
Green's appeal, 175.
Hanna fund, the Thomas, 109.
Hill's case, 175.
History of the United Presbyterian
Church, 337.
A committee to prepare a, 337.
Material for, to be collected by the
Board of Publication, 249, 337.
History of congregations, presbyteries
and synods, 337.
INDEX.
363
Historical Society :
Presbyterian, 227, 338.
United Presbyterian. 339.
Historical record of congregations,
339.
Home Missions, Board of. 177, 347.
Constitution of, 17S, 347.
Charter of, 177.
Duties and powers of, 350.
Regulations of, 179, 181, 350.
Amendments to regulations of,
183.
Regulations for Presbyteries, 179,
347.
Regulations for the General Com-
mittee, 180, 349.
Miscellaneous regulations, 182.
Consolidation of, with other
Boards. 93, 185.
Re- arranging the work of, 186.
Sliding scale of ajipropriations,
184, 351.
Special missions. 183, 353.
Relation of Presbyteries to
special missions, 184, 353.
• Property of congregations aided
by, 185, 348.
Church building a condition of
aid, 190.
Selection of fields by, 188.
Congregations to be grouped for
settlement, 189, 348.
Indian work of, transferred^ to
the Woman's Board, 191.
Duties of the corresponding sec-
retary, 190, 349, 351.
Salary of the corresponding sec-
retary of, 279.
Treasurer of, to give bond, 350.
Salary of the treasurer of, 279.
Home Missions, General Committee
of. 178, 347.
Regulations of, 180. 349.
Meeting of, 180, 349.
Delegate from Board of Church
Extension to, 190, 347.
Election of delegates to, 190,
347.
Home Missionaries :
A boarding place to be provided
for, 186.
Duties of, 189.
Disabled. 189.
Per diem of, 188.
Minimum salarj' of, 351.
General, 187.
Presbyterial, 187.
Special, 352.
Appointment of stated supplies,
188, 189, 351.
Stated supply defined, 187, 350.
Appointments to be for a year,
189, 351.
Delinquent to be reported, 190.
Women to be employed, 190.
Appropriations to pastors, 189.
Enrollment of, 189, 351.
Pastoral visitation defined, 189.
Students of theology as, 299.
To be employed and remunerated
by Presbyteries, 179, 188.
Hutchison's appeal, 190.
Hymns, 235, 344.
Immersion, baptism by, 89.
Imprint, denominational on Bible
Songs, 92.
Index of the Minutes of the Assem-
bly, 213.
India, alliance of Presbyterian
Churches in, 225.
Union of Presbyterian Churches
in, 226.
Indians, missions among, 190.
Mission to " Warm Springs. See
Warm Springs Indian Mission.
Industrial schools among the Freed-
men, 170.
Installation of elders and deacons, 34.
Installation of pastors, 32.
By a committee of Presbytery,
In peculiar circumstances, 220.
Form of edict for, 55.
Institute of Our Young People, 345.
Constitution of, 345.
Relation of, to the Assembly,
345.
Instrumental Church music, 112,
Law on, to be enforced, 112.
Law on, repealed, 112-120.
Interpretation of the law on, 120.
Final action in reference to, 121.
In mission stations, 123.
Charity and forbearance enjoined,
125.
Appeal concerning. See Tate's
appeal.
Intemperance. See Temperance.
International arbitration, 221.
International Sabbath Association,
265, 267.
International Sabbath- school lessons,
274.
Intoxicating liquors, manufacture
and sale of, 305.
Investment of legacies, 194, 329.
Iowa, organization of the Synod of,
302.
Jews, misssions among, 192.
Jones' version of the Psalms, 244.
364
DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Judicial cases, 'transfer of, to a higher I
court, 49. I
Transfer of, from a commission
to a higher court, 130, 198, 261.
Limit of time in, 53.
Judiciary, committee on, 73, 74.
Junior Order of United American
Mechanics, 283.
Jurisdiction, 53.
Over dismissed members, 53, 204.
Over dismissed ministers, 53, 204.
In offences not known before the
reception of the member, 53.
Kansas, organization of the Synod of,
303.
Knights of Labor, 194, 283.
Legal decisions on Church property,
compend of, 127.
Legacies :
Permanent investment of, 194,
329.
General rule for distribution of,
195.
Libel :
Relevancy of, 40.
Form of, 50.
Libraries for Sabbath schools, 68, 275.
License for sale of liquors, wrong,
310.
Licensure :
Mode of, 28.
Trials for, 28.
Duration of, 29.
Certificate of, 29.
Form of act of, 55.
Uniformity in, 197, 198.
Change of time of, 197.
To be granted only at the end of
the theological course, 28, 196.
To be reported to the Assembly,
196.
Licentiates. See Probationers.
Alphabetical list of, 296.
Limitation of time, 27, 29, 53.
Literary institutions, aid for, 150.
Literary students, aid for, 149.
Loan Fund of the Board of Church
Extension, 107.
Special, 108.
Loans, security for, to the Board of
Church Extension, 108.
Loans, temporary, to the Board of
Church Extension, 108.
Logue's complaint, 198,
Lord's Supper, 63.
Administration of, 63.
Place of, 63.
Persons entitled to, 63.
Administrator of, 63.
Frequency of, 63.
Mode of, 63. 64.
Notice of, 63.
McCaughan's appeals, 198.
McCune's case, 199.
Mackey, Will of Robert, 336.
Mails on the Sabbath, 236.
Manses, 109, 201.
Manual of Foreign Missions, 161.
For Normal classes, 273.
Marriage: 69.201.
Parties in, 69.
Ceremony of, 69.
Time of, 70.
With a deceased wife's niece, 201.
With a deceased wife's sister, 203.
With a deceased wife's relatives,
202.
Within the forbidden degree, 69,
201.
With irreligious persons, 69, 201.
With unscripturally divorced per-
sons, 203.
Polygamous converts, not re-
ceived, 202.
Married beneficiaries of the Board of
Education, 150.
Mathews' Memorial, 204.
Medical missionary work, 165.
Meetings, regular and special :
Of the Session, 20.
Of the Presbytery, 21.
Of the Synod, 22.
Of the Assembly, 23.
Members of the Church, 18, 204,
Admission of, 18.
Admitted by the Session, 26.
Care in the admission of, 26.
Special cases, 26.
Terms of admission, 204.
Tenderness in admitting, 90, 204.
Discretion to be exercised in re-
ceiving, 26, 317.
Required to adhere to the stand-
ards, 204, 315.
Dismission of, 27.
Duty of Sessions to removing,
205.
Blank certificates for dismission
of, 205.
Jurisdiction of courts over dis-
missed, 53, 204.
Names of, may be erased in cer-
tain cases, 205.
Unpaid subscriptions of, 205.
Memorial, limit of, 205.
Memorial fund, Quarter-Centennial,
252.
Memorial service for deceased minis-
ters, 211.
INDFX.
365
Quarter-Centennial, 255.
Ministerial Relief, Board of, 20G.
Charter of, 206.
Constitution of, 208.
Regulations of, 208.
Conditions of grants, 207.
Limitation of grants, 209.
Presbyteries to aid, 20y.
Endowment fund of, 209.
Report of, 209.
Mutual Aid Association, 210.
Ministerial support, 301.
Ministers, 19.
Ordination of, 30, 217.
Installation of, 32.
Translation of, 33.
Release of, 34.
Increase in the number of, 210.
From other churches, 210.
Record of ordination of, 211, 296.
Deceased, record of, 211, 296.
Deceased, memorial service for,
211.
Dismissed, jurisdiction over, 53,
204.
Fund for aged, 206.
Accused, rights of, 42.
Without charge, rights of, 20,
173, 210, 211. 212.
Disabled, rights of, 212.
Supplying in vacancies. 210.
Not to sanction use of hymns in
worship, 235.
Not to marry unscripturally di-
vorced persons, 203.
In secular pnnsuits, 211, 212.
Inefficient may be removed, 211.
Worldly, may be suspended, 212.
Salary of, 103, 279.
Trial of. See Process, actual,
against ministers.
Ministry, withdrawal from the, 211.
Minutes of the Assembly, 213.
To be published under the super-
vision of tlie clerks, 78, 213.
To be published by the Board of
Publication, 78, 213.
Compensation for superintending
publication of, 213.
Printed copies of, made official,
213.
Expense of binding official cop-
ies of, 213.
Gratuitous copies of, 213.
Index of, 213.
Minutes of Presbyteries, 21.
To be submitted to Synods, 21.
Minutes of foreign missionary Pres-
byteries, 214,
Minutes of Sessions, 20.
Minutes of Synods :
To be submitted to the Assem-
bly, 22, 302.
To be printed, 302.
Mission Sabbath- schools, 68, 276.
Missionary Associations in Egypt and
India. 165.
Missionary Piesbyteries, 214.
Relation to the Assembly, 214.
Minutes of foreign, 214.
Preservation of records of, 215.
Missionary Societies, Coutiibutions
of, 343.
Foreign. 165.
Missionary work among foreigners,
215.
Missionary work, special foreign, 165.
Mission stations, instrumental music
in, 123.
Missions, special fund for, 215.
Moderator :
Of the Assembly, 23, 24, 72.
Of the Presbyteiy, 23.
Of the Session, 23.
Of the Synod, 24.
Power of, 24.
Appeal from decision of, 78.
Monmouth College, memorial of, 151.
Motions in the Assembly, 76.
Music :
In the church, 61, 111.
For Sabbath -schools. See Bible
Songs.
Instrumental, 112.
Mutual Aid Association for Minis-
ters, 210.
Narrative and State of Religion :
Permanent Committee on, 130.
Standing Committee on, 73, 74,
130.
Blanks for, 131.
National Centennial, 98.
National Reform, 216.
National Sabbath Association, 268.
Nebraska, organization of Svnod of,
303.
Nominations, committee on, 73, 74.
Normal classes in Sabbath-schoois,
273.
Normal class manual, 273.
Normal school for Freedmeu, 169.
Oath, form of, 57.
Odd Fellows, 281.
Offences:
Definition of, 38.
Personal, 38. •
Private, 38.
General, 38.
Charged, but not proven, 41.
866
DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Acts of infirmity, 42.
In the presence of the court, 43.
By dismissed members and min-
isters, 53, 204.
Offenders, restoration of, 47.
Form of act of restoration, 58.
Officers :
Of the church, 18.
Of the courts of the cliurch, 23.
Restoration of, 48.
Ohio, organization of the Synod of,
303.
Old records :
To be secured and published, 337,
338.
Committee on, 338.
Where to be deposited, 338.
Of Associate and Associate Re-
formed Presbyteries and Syn-
ods, 338.
Order of business in the Assembly, 75.
Order of the day, 76.
Ordination by a commission, 170.
Ordination of elders and deacons, 26,
34.
To be reported to Presbytery, 26,
36.
Record of, 36.
Ordination of elders who use tobacco,
327.
Ordination of ministers, 30, 217.
Trials and examination for, 30.
Edict for, 30.
Form of edict for, 55.
Questions for, 31.
Ceremony of, 32.
"Without installation, 32.
Record of, 211, 296.
Certificate of, 55.
May be annulled, 212.
Laying on of hands by elders in,
217.
Oregon, presbytery of, 218.
Oregon, United Presbyterian Church
of, 339.
Organization of Associate and Asso-
ciate Reformed Presbyteries
and Synods, record of, 339.
Organization of congregations, 25.
To be eftected with prudence,
263, 264.
Record of, 296.
Our Young People, 345.
Institute for, 345.
Contributions of, 346.
Outfit of foreign missionaries, 161.
Overtures, 23.
To be transmitted only by a two-
thirds vote, 218.
"Clear majority," definition of,
218.
The moral right to change the
standards by. 219.
On the rights of members of the
lower courts in appeals, 80.
On papal baptism, 89.
On consolidation of certain
Boards, 93, 186.
On the trial exercises of stu-
dents, 97, 197.
On the time of licensure of stu-
dents, 97, 197.
On the Book of Government and
Discipline. 96, 97.
On instrumental music, 112, 113.
On union with tiie Associate Re-
formed Synod of the South, 88.
On a chapter on commissions,
128.
On a delegate fund, 139.
On the corresponding secretary
of the Board of Home Mis-
sions, 134.
On the Directory for Worship,
142, 143.
On a general financial agent, 157.
On appellate power to the As-
sembly, 174.
On changes in the Home Mission
work, 186, 187.
On marriage with a deceased
wife's relatives, 202.
On ministers from other churches,
210.
On the law of oveitures, 218.
On new and amended version of
the Psalm.s, 236-243.
On biennial meetings of the Synod
of the Pacific, 303.
On the Assembly's power over
theological seminaries, S20.
On licensing and ordaining stu-
dents who use tobacco, 326.
On ordaining elders elect who
use tobacco, 327.
Pacific, organization of the Synod of,
303.
Biennial meetings of tho Synod
of, 303.
Papal baptism. 89.
Paper, a weekly Sabbath-school, 277.
Paraphrases, 235.
Parties in a trial, 39.
Parsonage fund, 109.
Regulations of, 110.
Assigned to the Women's Board,
110.
Parsonages, 109, 201.
" Pastoral charge," definition of, 220,
Pastoral relation, dissolution of, 34.
Pastoral visitation, 68, 70.
INDEX.
367
Explained, 189.
Pastors :
Election of, 29.
Voters for, 29.
Ordination of, 30.
Installation of, 32.
Call and installation of, in pecu-
liar cases, 220.
Translation of, 33.
Release of, 34.
Presbyterial oversight of salaries
of, 221.
Home missionary appropriations
to, 189.
Salary of, 221, 279.
Duties of, to the Boards, 95.
Duties of, on Christian giving,
103.
Duties of, on the elective fran-
chise, 152.
Duties of, on Christian Sabbath,
265.
Patrons of Husbandry, 282.
Patterson's appeal, 221.
Peace, 221.
Per diem of Home Missionaries, 188.
Permanent committees. See Com-
mittees, permanent.
Permanent funds, investment of, 329.
Pew rents, 171, 205.
Pittsburgh, orgacization of Synod of,
303.
Polygamous marriages among con-
verts, 202.
Praise in public worship, fiO.
Acts of worship in, defined, 344.
Prayer, day of special, 221.
Prayer in public worship, 61.
Prayer meetings, 65.
Preaching the Word in public wor-
ship, 61.
Presbyterian Centenary, 225.
Presbyterian Church, union with, 223.
Presbyterian churches, union of, 222.
A conference of, 224.
A consensus creed for, 225.
Presbyterian Churches in India :
Alliance of, 225.
Union of, 226.
Presbyterian Council, 227.
Expenses of, 229.
Withdrawal from. 229.
Renewal of relations with, 230.
Presbyterian Historical Society, 227.
Presbyterianism, 17.
Presbyteries :
Mis- ionary, 214.
Reports of, 130, 260.
Minutes of missionary, 214.
To give attention to Sabbath-
schools, 270.
To have care over theological
students, 28, 150.
To have supervision of salaries of
pastors, 221.
To supervise the building of
churches, 109.
To look after the property of ex-
tinct churches, 109.
To recommend only congrega-
tions faithful to the principles
of the church, 95, 232.
To appoint committee on Church
Extension, 110.
Presbyters may propose a change in
in the standards of the church,
232.
Presbytery, the, 20.
Members of, 20, 21, 210, 231.
Authority of, 20.
Constitution of, 231.
Duties of, 21 .
Meetings of, 21.
Officers of, 23.
Records and reports of, 21.
Opening and closing exercises of,
21.
Quorum of, 21.
Power over special missions, 184.
Previous question, 76.
Principal clerk of the Assembly :
Election of, 72.
Term of office of, 72.
Duties of, 73.
Salary of, 127.
Treasurer of the Assembly pro
tem., 327.
Principles of the United Presbyterian
Church, 231.
To be maintained, 231.
Presbyteries to report on observ-
ance of, 232.
Congregations ignoring, not to be
aided, 95, 232.
Boards do not have supervision of,
232.
Tracts on to be published, 251.
May be changed by overture, 232,
A summary of, 293.
Printing, &c., for the Assembly, 175.
Privileged questions, 76.
Prizes for original works, 250.
Probationers, 28.
Licensure of, 28.
Subject to Presbytery, 29.
Excused from appointments, 198.
Limitation of time, 29.
Process, actuals, 39.
Informer, 39.
Prosecutor, 39.
Form of charges, 39.
Parties, 39.
368
DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Responsibility of an accuser, 39.
Preliminary steps, 39, 40.
Notice to the parties, 4u.
Citations, 40.
Form of citations, 56.
Specifications, 40.
Admissibility of charges, 40.
Relevancy of libel, 40.
Examination of witnesses, 40.
Parties heard and judgment
given, 41.
Records and copies, 41.
Publication and sentence, 41.
Tempoi'ary susjjension, 41.
Offences not charged but proved,
41.
Testimony to be recorded, 41.
Counsel, 41.
When not necessary, 43.
Evidence in, 43.
Sentences, 45.
Censures. 45.
Restoration of offenders, 47.
Limitation of time. 53.
To be allowed but once, 53.
Process, actual, against ministers, 41.
Preliminary steps, 39, 42.
Method of procedure. 42.
Must be before his own Presby-
tery, 42.
Duty of interested Presbyteries,
42.
Accuser, 42.
Acts of infirmity, 42.
Contumacy, 42.
Rights of an accused minister, 42.
"When not necessary, 43.
Evidence in, 43.
Sentences, 45.
Censures, 45.
Restoration of offenders, 47.
Limitation of time, 53.
To be allowed but once, 53.
Professors in theological seminaries,
confirmation of, 325.
Prohibition, 309.
Property, tenure of Church, 98-9.
Prosecutor in cases of process, 39.
Protest, 48.
Definition of, 48.
Reasons for, 49.
Persons entitled, 48.
When made, 48.
When admitted, 48.
Right to record, 49.
Reasons and answers, 49.
What it implies, 49.
In court of last resort, 49.
Provisional Sessions, 233.
When appointed, 233.
Powers of, 234.
Not represented in Presbytery,
235.
Records of, 235.
Psalm-book fund, 246, 249.
Psalmody, interpretation of law of,
235.
Psalmody alliance proposed, 244.
Psalms:
Book of, to be used. 60, 235.
Manner of singing, 61, 111.
Amended version of, 236.
New version of, 238.
History of new version of, 243.
Prof. A. Jones' version of, 244.
Introduction of new and amended
versicns of, 243.
Selections from, to be published,
243.
Copyright of new version, 244.
Conference of churches using the,
244.
An alliance of jPsalm-singing
churches proposed, 244.
Psalter, the, 245.
Revision of, 245.
Copyright of, 245.
Denominational imprint on, 245.
Publication, Biard of, /i46.
Obiect of. 246.
Charter of, 246.
Amendments to charter of, 246,
248.
Constitution of, 248.
Regulations of, 248.
Business manager, 248.
To collect materials for a history
of the church. 249.
To establish a Bible and Psalm-
book fund, 246, 249.
To establish depositories, 249.
To keep for sale books exposing
Romanism, 260.
To make donations to weak Sab-
bath-schools, 250.
To offer prizes for original manu-
scripts, 250.
To pay for suitable manuscripts,
250.
To publish the minutes of the
Assembly, 78. 213.
To publish registers, &c., 250.
To establish a system of colpor-
tage. 250.
To publish tracts on principles
and work of the church, 251.
To publish temperance literature,
252.
To publish selections from the
Psalms, 243.
To secure aud publish old records,
337.
369
Authorized to purchase Sabbath-
school publications, 250.
Permanent committee on Sab-
bath-schools, consolidated with,
251.
Statistics of contributions to, 252.
Public Schools, Bible in, 90, 98.
Temperance instruction in, 311.
Quarter-centennial Commission :
Incorporated, 252.
A memorial fund. 252.
Distribution of, 253.
Amount raised, 254.
Final settlement, 255.
A memorial service, 255.
Expenses of, 254.
Questions not debatable, 77.
Quorum :
Of the Assembly, 23, 73.
Of the Presbytery, 21,
Of the Session, 20.
Of the Synod, 22.
Quota, definition of, 255.
Ratio of Representation in the As-
sembly, 22, 173.
Reading- sermons, 62, 257.
Rebellion, the civil ;
The result of slavery, 284.
Resolutions on the state of the
country during the, 294.
Rebuke, 40.
Reconsideration of motions, 77.
Record of Associate and Associate
Reformed organizations, 838.
Of congregations, 2f7.
Of orgauizaiions, 290.
Of organizations, histtu ical, 339.
Records :
01 the Assemblv. 24, 213.
Of Presbyteries, 21.
Of Sessions, 20.
Of Synods, 21, 302.
To be reviewed by a higher court,
51.
Of Associate and Associate Re-
formed Churches, 338.
Reduced railroad fare, Permanent
committee on, 131.
Reed, Estate of William, 255.
References, 50.
Definition of. 50.
Subjects of, 50.
Object of, 50.
Effects of, 50.
Duties of a superior court in, 50.
Notice of, 50.
Evidence for superinr court, 50.
Reform, National, 216.
Reform movements, 257
24
Reform, Permanent committee on,
131.
Reform, Sabbath. See Sabbath.
Reformed Presbvterian Church, Gen-
eral Synod of, 257.
Union with, 257.
Reformed Presbyterian Church,
Synod of, 258.
Union with, 258.
Delegate to, 259.
Reformed Presbyterian Churches, un-
ion with, 260.
Registers to be published by the Board
of Publication, 250.
Regulations of the Boards :
Of Church Extension, 105.
Of Education, 145.
Of Foreign Missions, 159.
Of Missions to the Freedmen,
168.
Of Home Missions, 179, 183, 347-
353
Of Ministerial Relief, 208.
Of Publication, 248.
Repeating tunes. 111.
Reports of the Boards to be printed,
94, 328.
Reports of Presbyteries, 260.
Time of forwarding, 260.
To be omitted in the Minutes of
I the Assembly, 260.
I Blanks for, 260.
I Reports of the treasui-ers of the
I Boards :
To be audited, 95, 328.
I A classified summary of, to be
I printed. 94, 328.
I Representation in the Assembly ;
Ratio of, 22, 173.
Basis of, 173.
Resignation : Of Deacons, 138.
Of Elders, 263.
May be declared void, 135, 263.
Restoration of offenders, 47.
Of officers, 48.
Form of act of, 58,
Review and control. 49.
Duty of the higher court, 49.
Matters of, 49.
Mode of, 50.
Irregularities corrected, 50.
Decisions reversed, 50.
On common fame, 50.
Courts reviewing their own de-
cisions, 50.
Revision, committee on, 73.
Romanism, 260.
Roseburg's appeal, 261.
Rules of order, 72.
Amendments to, 261.
How amended, 78.
370
DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
In lower courts, 78.
Ruling Elrfers. See Elders, Ruling.
Sabbath :
Sanctification of, 59.
Desecration of, 264.
Duty of the Government to, 98.
Marriage not to be solemnized on,
70.
Funerals not to take place on,
71.
Discipline to be exercised for
desecration of, 264.
Unnecessary travel on, 264.
The Church and Sabbath reform,
265.
Temperance meetings on, 312.
Opening the centennial grounds
on, 266,
Closing the Philadelphia Perma-
nent Exhibition on, 266.
Opening of the Columbian Ex-
position on, 266.
Mails on, 266.
Sabbath papers, 266.
Co-operation with other bodies
for the, 267.
Petitions against desecration of,
267.
Pastors and supplies to jneach
on, 265.
Duty of Christians in regard to,
265.
Sabbath Associations ;
American Union, 268.
International, 265, 267.
National, 268.
Sabbath-schools :
Standing committee on, 74, 269.
Permanent committee of, 131, 269,
Permanent committee consoli-
dated with the Board of Pub-
lication, 251.
To be under the control of Ses-
sions, 67, 270.
Presbyteries to give attention to,
270.
Presbyterial superintendents of,
271.
Synods to give attent'ou to, 270.
Superintendent of, 67.
Teachers in, 68, 272.
Teachers' meeting in, 68, 272.
Order of exercises in, 68.
Adult classes in, 272.
Normal classes in, 273.
Manual for normal classes, 273.
Lesson papers for, 274.
Uniform lessons in, 274.
Scriptures in, 68, 273.
Temperance lessons for, 312.
Shorter Catechism in, 68. 273.
Books and papers for, 68, 275.
Weekly paper for, 277.
Publications for, purchased by
Board of Publication, 250.
Contributions of, 276.
Special objects for contributions
of, 277.
]\Iissionary day in, 277.
Contributions of, on Missionary
day, 277.
Congregations to provide funds
for, 275.
Day of prayer for, 277.
Students to be trained for work
in, 300.
Donations to weak, 250.
Preaching to, 274.
Statistics of, 269.
To be kept open all the year, 276.
Mission, 68, 276.
Music for. See Bible Songs.
Sacraments. See Baptism and the
Lord's Supper.
Salaries :
Of oflScers of Assembly, corre-
sponding secretaries, &c., pay-
ment of, 278.
Of the Clerks of the Assembly,
127, 128.
Of the corresponding secretaries
of the Boards, 278, 279.
Of foreign missionaries, 161.
Of returned foreign missionaries,
161.
Of home missionaries. 188, 351.
Of ministers, 103, 279.
Of the treasurers of the Boards,
279.
San Fi-ancisco Presbytery, 280.
Scandal. See Oflfences.
Schools, Bible in the public, 90, 98.
Temperance in the public, 311.
Scriptures, reading of, 60.
Second Clerk of the Assembly :
Election of, 72, 128.
Term of office of, 72.
Expiration of the term of office
of, 128.
Duties of, 73, 127, 128.
Salary of, 128.
Secret Societies. 280.
PoRition of the Church defined,
280.
Duty of pastors and sessions, 280.
Freemasons and Odd Fellows,
281.
Grand Army of the Republic,
282.
Junior Order of United American
Mechanics. 283.
INDEX.
371
Knights of Labor, 194, 283.
Patrons of Husbandry, 282.
Union Leagues, 282.
Secret worship, 65.
Secretaries of the Boards. See cor-
responding secretaries of the
Boards.
Securities to be given to the Board
of Church Extension, 106, 107.
Selections from the Psalms, 90, 243.
Sentences :
Definition of, 45.
In proportion to offences, 45.
Execution of, 45.
Publication of, 41, 46.
Sermons :
In public worship, 61.
Reading of, 62, 257.
To Sabijath-schoul scholars. 274.
Session, the, 19.
Members of, 19.
Authority of, 20, 26.
Moderator of, 20.
Duties of, 20.
Officers of, 23.
Records of. 20.
When rightly constituted, 20.
How convened, 20.
Quorum of, 20.
To meet for prayer, 65.
To exercise a wise discretion in
receiving members, 26, 317.
To have jurisdiction over dis-
missed members, 53, 204.
To adopt plans for systematic
giving, 103.
To supply the pulpit through
Presbytery, 210.
To have control of church music,
111.
To have control of church prop-
erty, 126, 264.
To have control of Sabbath-
schools, 67, 270.
To discipline for failure in benefi-
cence, 69.
Duties of, to the Boards, 95.
Relation of trustees to, 126.
Sessions, provisional, see Provisional
Sessions.
Shorter catechism in Sabbath-schools,
68, 273.
Sialkot, minutes of Presbytery of,
214.
Sick, pastoral visitation of, 70.
Singing of praise, 60.
Slavery ; the rebellion a result of,
284.
Slaves, emancipation of, 284.
Use of money received from sale
of, 285.
Sliding scale in Home Missions, 184,
351.
Smyth's appeal, 285.
Societies :
Presbyterian Historical, 227, 338.
United Presbyterian Historical,
339.
Secret, 280.
Women's Mis.sionary, 343.
Special Home missionaries, 352.
Special missions, 183.
Relation of the Presbytery to, 184.
Speers' estate, 84, 285.
History of, 285.
Distribution of, 291.
Standards of the Church, 293.
Integrity of, to be preserved, 293.
Summary of, to be prepared, 293.
I\Iay be changed by overture, 95.
Moral right to propose a change,
219.
Adherence to, required of mem-
bers, 315.
Standing committee. See Commit-
tees, standing.
State of the countiy during the re-
bellion, 294.
Stated supply defined, 187, 350.
Rule for appointment of, 188,
349-50.
A condition of appropriations,
349.
Stationery, printing, etc., for the
Assembly, 175.
Statistical year, close of, 298.
Statistics :
Blanks for, 297.
Committee on, 74.
Items to be reported for. 295.
Of Sabbath school.-, 269.
Under the care of the second
clerk, 73, 128, 297.
Of contributions to Board of
Publication, 252.
Of congregations contributing,
296.
A list of new organizations, 296.
A record of congregations, 297.
xV record of ordinations, 211, 296.
Record of deceased ministers,
211, 296.
Vital, 297.
Summaries of, 298.
Of Foreign Missions, 298.
Time of forwarding, 297.
Of church property, 298.
Students, 298.
To attend the colleges of the
church, 298.
Undergraduates not to enter the
theological seminaries, 299.
372
DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Aid for, 149.
Theolojrical. 8ee Theological
students.
Subscriptions of church members un-
paid, 205.
Substitutes for motions, 77.
Summary of the principles of the
church, 293.
Superintendents of Sabbath-schools,
68.
Presbyterial, 271.
Superintendents of missions, 180, 300,
348.
Election of, 180, 300, 348.
Duties of, ISO, 3U0, 348.
Accounts of, to be audited, 301,
348.
Agents of the Board of Chnrch
Extension, 108.
Suspension, 46.
Temporary, 47.
Form of sentence of, 57.
Announcement of, 46.
Duration of, 46.
Sustentation fund, 301.
Synod, the, 21.
Members of, 22.
Authority of, 22.
Duties of, 22.
Meetings of, 22.
Officers of, 23.
Opening and closing exercises of,
22.
Records and reports of, 22, 302.
Attendance of members of, 302.
Quorum of, 22.
Synods, 302.
Biennial meetings of, 303.
To give attention to Sabbath-
schools, 270.
Organized, 302.
Change of boundaries of, 303.
Transfer of theological semin-
aries from, to Assembly, 320.
Syria mission, 164.
Systematic beneficence, 69, 303.
Measure of, 69, 101, 304.
Instruction in, 69, 102.
Discipline for failure in, 69.
Committee on, 303.
Plan for, 304.
Tarkio college, aid for, 151.
Tate's appeal, 305.
Teachers in Sabbath- schools :
Meetings of, 68, 272.
To be members of the church,
68, 272.
Training of, 273.
Temperance, 305.
Dutv of the church in behalf of,
308.
Duty of Christians, 306.
Manufacture and sale of intoxi-
cating drinks, 305.
Total abstinence, 307.
Union of churches to promote,
312.
Prohibition, 309.
License for sale of liquors wrong,
310.
Meetings on the Sabbath, 312.
Unfermentcd wine at the Lord's
Supper, 312.
Day for, in week of prayer, 312.
In International Sabbath-school
lessons, 312.
Literature, 252.
Instruction in public schools, 311.
Women's movement in behalf of,
314.
Women's Temperance Christian
Union, 314.
Centennial, 313.
Congress, American, delegates to,
313.
Terms of communion, 314.
Deliverance on the XVIth Art.
of the Testimony, 314.
Adherence to the standaids, 315.
May be changed, 318.
Testimony. See Evidence and Wit-
nesses.
Testimony, deliverance on the 16th
Article of the, 314.
Thank -oiferings, 102.
Thanksgiving, 66.
Proclamation for, 319.
Theatrical exhibitions, 79.
Theological seminaries :
Under the care of the Assembly,
23. 319.
Enabling act of, 320.
Proposed statutes for. 322.
Consolidation of, 322.
Transfer of. to Assembly, 320,
Curriculum of study in, 322.
'I'erms of study in, 28, 324.
Examination of students in, 325.
Undergraduates not to be ad
mitted to, 299.
Confirmation of professors in,
325.
To provide for the training of
elders, 263.
Theological students, 298.
Care in admission of, 27.
To be under the care of a Pres-
bytery, 28, 299.
Examination of, to be written,
325.
373
Specimens of j^rogress. 28.
Uuliceiised as evan<;elists. 152.
Tiainin<;i: of, I'or cvan<:;flistii;
work, loo.
To be trained for Sabballi-scliool
work, 300.
Licensure of. 28. 197.
Uniformity in licensnre, 19G.
Not lo be licensed till the end of
tbeolo<rical course, 2S. 19(3.
Qualifications of. 27.
Unlicensed should not preach,
299.
Trial exercises of. 28, 197.
May be employed in missionary
labor, 299.
Tithes, 101, 304, 305.
Title to church property, 98, 99, 12C.
Tobacco :
Use ( f condemned, 325.
Beneficiaries of Board of Educu
tioii may not use, 150.
Overture on licensing students
who use. 32G.
Overture on ordaining elders-
elect who use. 327.
Total abstinence, 202.
Tracts, publication of, 24G, 252.
Transfer of judicial cases to a highci-
court, 49.
Uses of, 49.
Modes of, 49.
Eeview and contiol, 49.
References. 50.
Appeals, 51.
Complaints. 49, 52.
Declinatuie, 49, 52.
Rights of an inferior court, 49, 80.
Translation of pastors, 33.
Form of, 56.
Treasurer of the Assembly:
Duties of, 327.
Expenses of, to be paid, 279.
Pro tern., the Principal Clerk,
327.
Treasuier, general. 157.
Treasurers of the Boards:
Election of. 93. ;i27.
Duties of, 9:). 327.
To keep their accounts with
Presbyteries, 327.
To publish their receipts. 328.
Reports of, to Assembly, 328.
A classified repoit of, for Minutes
of the Assembly. 94. 328.
To give itemized re])orts. 94, 328.
To give names of contributors. 94.
Reports of, to be audited. 95, 328,
351.
To keep bequests invested, 329.
Salaries of, 279.
Treasurers of church courts. 23.
Trial, but one for the same ofience, 53.
Trial exercises of theological students,
28, 97.
Trust, declaration of. 12G.
A condition of aid to missions,
107, 127. 348.
Trustees of the Assembly, 329.
Act of incor])oration of, 171.
Duties of, 329.
To defend title to church prop-
erty, 330.
To protect claims of the Board of
Church Extension, 330.
Trustees of congregations. 329.
May hold church property. 12G,
329.
Relation of, to the Session, 12G,
329.
Must be members of the church,
12G, 329.
Tunes, repeating, 111.
Unfermented wine at the communion,
?12.
Uniform lessons in the -Sabbath-
school, 274.
International. 274.
Temperance in International, 312.
Uni«m :
Of the Associate and Associate
Reformed Churches, 330.
With the Associate Reformed
Synod of the South, SG.
With the Presbyterian Church,
223.
Of Presbyterian Churches, 222.
Of Presbyterian Churches in
India, 22 ..
With the General Synod of the Re-
formed Presbyterian Church,
257.
■ With the Synod of the Reformed
Piesbyterian Church. 258.
1 Of the Reformed Presbyterian
I Churches, 2G0.
I Union Christian Commission, 83.
I Union Leagues, 282.
I United Presbyterian Church :
Organization of. 334. 33G.
Proceedings preliminary to or-
j ganization of, 330.
j Identity of, with the antecedent
churches, 33G.
I Principles ol. 281.
History of. to be prepared, 337.
Materials for a history of, to be
collected, 249.
Historical Society of, 339.
United Presbyterian Church of Ore-
gon, 339.
374
DIGEST OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Tacancies to be supplied through
Presbyteries, 210.
Vacancies in tlie office of correspond-
ing secretaries, 93.
In the membership of the Boards,
92, 93.
Versions of the Psalms :
Amended, 236.
New, 288.
Prof. A. Jones', 244.
Visitation :
Of the sick. 70.
Pastoral, 68, 70, 189.
By Ruling Elders. 70.
Vital statistics. 297.
Voting in the Assembly. 72, 78.
Waldensian Church, the, 340.
War, the Civil. 294. 295.
Warm Springs Indian Mission:
History of. 191.
Buildings for. 191.
Contract for the schools, 191.
Transfer of, to the Women's
Board, 191.
Regulat ons for, 192.
Ways and Means, permanent com-
mittee on, 131.
Week of Prayer, 340.
Day for temperance in, 341.
Weekly contributions. 101. 3o4.
Westminster College, memorial of,
151.
Widows of foreign missionaries, 162.
Widows' and Orphans' Fund. 206, 208.
Wilson's appeal. 199. 341.
Will of Robert Mackey, 336.
Wine, unfermented. in the com-
munion, 312.
Witnesses :
Citation of, 40.
Form of citation of, 56.
Competency of. 43.
Credibility "of, 43.
Number of, 43.
Members of the Court as, 43.
Separate examination of, 44.
Purged of malice. 44.
To be unHer oath, 44.
Form of oath. 57.
Examination of, 44.
Testimony of, to be recorded and
attested, 44.
Contumacy of. 44.
May be examined by commi.'i-
sioners, 44.
Women as deaconesses, 137.
Women to be employed as home mis-
sionaries, 190.
Women's Auxiliary Board, 341.
Organization of, 341.
Relation to Assembly and other
Boards, 343.
Foreign medical work trans-
ferred to, 165.
Warm Springs Indian mission
transferred to. 191.
The erection of parsonages a.s-
! signed to, 110.
Women's General Missionary Society,
343.
Organization of, 343.
Charter of, 343.
Relation to Assembly and Boards.
343.
Constitution of. 342.
Contributions to. paid through its
own agencies, 343,
Women's Missionary Societies, 164,
To support all the Boards, 342.
Contributions of, to be paid
through their Presbyterial
treasurers, 343.
Women's part in public religious ex-
ercises. 341.
Woman's temperance movement, 314.
Women's Christian Temperance
Union. 344.
Worship :
Definition of. 59.
Object of, 59.
Seasons for, 59.
C)rdinances of public, 60.
Order, 60.
Reading of the Scriptures, 60.
Singing of praise, 60.
Offering of prayer, 61.
Preaching the word. 61.
Administration of baptism, 62.
Administration of the Lord's
Supper, 63.
Pronouncing the benediction, 64.
Ordinances of social, 65.
Ordinances of family, 65.
Ordinances of secret. 65.
Ordinances of extraordinarj'. 66.
Fasting, 66.
Thanksgiving, 66.
Covenanting, 67.
Acts of, in praise defined, 344.
Xenia. Second Church, memorial ol
205.
Tear, close of the statistical, 298.
Young Christian, 345.
Young People's work. 345.
Organization of, 345.
Permanent committee on. 131,
345.
Institute for, 345. I Contributions of, to be made
General Secretary' of, 345. tbrouo:h tbe Boards, 108, 346.
Constitution for Institute, 345. ilusic adapted to, 92.
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